Environment Canada is alerting residents about the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia as cold weather grips much of British Columbia. The frigid temperatures can lead to serious health risks in just a matter of minutes.
Extreme cold and arctic outflow warnings are in effect across the interior and along the north and central coasts. Experts recommend minimizing outdoor activities and keeping pets and outdoor animals safe and sheltered.
Central B.C. is currently under the influence of an arctic air mass, creating wind chill temperatures as low as -40°C in the northern regions and about -20°C in coastal areas, including the Whistler Valley.
Warnings also extend to the B.C. Peace Region, covering cities like Fort St. John and Dawson Creek, where overnight temperatures may plummet to around -40°C but are expected to warm during the day.
Yoho and Kootenay parks, along with the Elk Valley, face extreme cold conditions as gusty winds lower the wind chill to approximately -40°C.
Additionally, a cold alert was issued for the Chilcotin area, focusing on Puntzi Mountain, known for its severe winter conditions. The cold combined with light winds creates wind chill values ranging from -35°C to -40°C overnight.
Environment Canada urges everyone to be aware of cold-related symptoms. These include shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches, and numbness in fingers and toes.
In Vancouver, there’s a chance of flurries as temperatures dipped below -8°C. A special weather statement warns the Greater Victoria and Lower Mainland areas about potential snowfall. Snow could start in the afternoon and continue into the evening, particularly affecting the evening commute. Regions might see varying amounts of snow, with two to four centimeters expected, and localized areas could receive more than five centimeters.
The forecast is particularly relevant for the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and parts of Greater Victoria, including the Malahat Highway and southern Gulf Islands.
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