UPDATE: Environment and Climate Change Canada has ended the extreme cold warning for Lethbridge and surrounding communities.
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It is a chilly start to Wednesday for Lethbridge area residents.
Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for the city and surrounding southern Alberta communities.
The advisory was first issued at 4:39 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12.
The agency says a period of very cold wind chills is anticipated, with values around minus 40 expected to continue through Wednesday morning.
The wind chill values should moderate throughout the day, but officials say they could return overnight and into Thursday morning for parts of the province.
Extreme cold is dangerous for everyone, but officials note risks are higher for younger children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, those working outdoors and people without proper shelter from the elements. Frostbite can develop very quickly on exposed skin, so residents are advised to bundle up.
Pet owners are also asked to keep pets indoors in colder conditions, and those working outside should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up indoors.
READ MORE: Lethbridge’s Chief Fire Marshall offers tips to safely stay warm during cold snaps
Further weather information is available at the Environment and Climate Change Canada website.
