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By Aaron Schulze

Extreme Cold

Extreme cold warning issued for the Cariboo as wind chill could hit minus 40s

Jan 10, 2024 | 6:37 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — An extreme cold warning has been issued for the Cariboo region.

Starting Wednesday (Jan. 10) night and lasting until Saturday morning, Environment Canada says wind chill values will be near minus 40 to minus 45.

It’s due to an arctic airmass over Northern B.C. that will bring temperatures between near minus 30 and minus 40 degrees Celsius combined with northerly winds up to 20 km/h.

The weather agency says risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illness, those working or exercising outdoors and those without proper shelter.

Residents are encouraged to watch for cold related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers in toes. The weather agency adds frostbite can develop on exposed skin within minutes, especially with windchill, so residents are encouraged to cover up.

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Additionally, residents are encouraged to keep emergency supplies their vehicles, such as extra blankets and jumper cables.

Elsewhere, while an extreme cold warning hasn’t been issued for the 100 Mile region, residents in that area are expected to see temperatures hover between the minus 20s and minus 30s from Wednesday night until Sunday morning.