Bitter cold will slam Canada with some lows plunging to -50 C

All of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are under the orange level — a second-tiered warning — for cold. These are issued when severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts.

A large section of northwestern Ontario is also under the same warning.

According to the warning, the “multi-day episode” of very cold wind chills continues with temperatures ranging anywhere from -40 to -50 across the Prairie provinces, and -40 to -48 in northwestern Ontario.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” Environment Canada said in its alert.

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“Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside. Make sure your home is well-insulated, the heating system is working efficiently and cracks and drafts are sealed.”

Meanwhile, the rest of Ontario and most of Quebec won’t see much relief, as an Arctic airmass hovers over the region.

Part of Ontario under the yellow-level cold warning, which is the most common alert, and is expected to see wind chill temperatures of -40 to -45. Further south, just north of the GTA is expected to see wind chills near -30 to -33.

Quebec is also under the same coloured warning where temperatures there are expected to hit -35 to -40 with the wind chill.

Out in the Maritimes, all of New Brunswick is expected to see temperatures between -30 C and -37 beginning Saturday, with the coldest temperatures expected in northwestern areas of the province until Sunday.

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