Broadcast Centre's view of Kamloops on Tuesday (Image credit: CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

Extreme Cold

Extreme cold warning issued for Kamloops and area; travel advisories for local highways

Dec 20, 2022 | 9:29 AM

KAMLOOPS — An extreme cold warning is in effect for Kamloops and area.

In an online statement Tuesday (Dec. 20) morning, Environment Canada says the South Thompson region is expected to see wind chills near minus 40 until Thursday (Dec. 22). It’s due to a cold arctic air mass that has settled over the region.

Temperatures are expected to hover near minus 25 to minus 30, with winds up to 15 km/h creating wind chill values near minus 40.

Environment Canada says temperatures will slowly rise Thursday and Friday (Dec. 23) and raise wind chill values above minus 35.

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Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates a higher health risk such as frost bite and hypothermia. The weather agency encourages residents to watch for cold related symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour chance in fingers and toes.

Additionally, drivers are being warned of heavy snowfall on the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Merritt and the Fraser Canyon. Environment Canada says 10 to 15 centimetres of show on both highways are expected Tuesday.

DriveBC also issued a travel advisory for the Coquihalla Highway from hope to Kamloops and the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna due to heavy snowfall and strong winds.