Arctic air over Manitoba leads to extreme cold warning for most of province

An extreme cold warning has been issued for the majority of Manitoba as an arctic air mass sweeps over the province. (Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada. Jan. 14, 2024.)

The majority of Manitoba is under a special weather statement as arctic air sweeps over the province.

The extreme cold warning was issued Sunday morning by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) saying "very cold wind chills" are expected through Tuesday. The temperature with the wind chill is expected to range from minus 40 to minus 55.

"An arctic air mass continues to bring dangerously cold temperatures to the region," said ECCC. "Extreme cold puts everyone at risk."

ECCC is reminding people to cover up if they have to be outside, noting exposed skin can develop frostbite in minutes.

"Very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frostbite and hypothermia."

People are also being told to keep their pets indoors as the cold weather is too cold for them as well.

The City of Winnipeg is also advising people on how to deal with this cold snap. In an email to CTV News, a spokesperson for the city offered safety tips to reduce risk in the winter weather.

Older adults and young children are told to avoid being outdoors for a long period of time. If people need to go outside, they should wear warm, dry layers, a warm hat, gloves or mitts and winter footwear with good treads.

People also shouldn't over exert themselves as it could lead to complications.

"Overexertion, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can strain your heart. Limit time spent exercising outdoors in extreme cold," the spokesperson said.

Manitobans should also be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia. If someone is confused, dizzy, exhausted or experiencing severe shivers, they should receive medical attention right away.

POWER IN MANITOBA

While the cold sparked an emergency alert in Alberta to prevent an overload on the power grid, the same isn't expected in Manitoba.

Bruce Owen, the media relations officer for Manitoba Hydro, said the province is in good shape to deal with increased use during the cold.

"It's a Sunday, we don't have businesses open, industry working, it's a day off. We'll start to notice it probably tomorrow as people start to wake up. Notice it Tuesday and Wednesday if the cold persists and it will take that much more energy to keep us warm," said Owen. "So right now we're fine, but as the cold snap persists, we'll start to see increased usage. Not so much a strain, but pressure on the system."

He added, if needed, Manitoba Hydro has the capability to bring more energy online.

If a power outage does happen, Owen encourages people to have an emergency kit ready to deal with an extended outage. The kit should include blankets, flashlights, extra food and medication.

He also said people shouldn't be using heaters indoors that require a fuel source because it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

THE COLD AND CARS

The cold weather is also leading to an increase in the number of calls that CAA Manitoba is dealing with.

Nadia Matos, a spokesperson for CAA, said the number of calls have nearly doubled compared to an average winter day.

"Priority goes to the people who are stranded on the side of the road and right now, I can tell you we are very busy. Our number one priority is the safety of our members who are out in the elements," said Matos.

She said the majority of calls CAA is receiving are related to battery problems.

To ensure you are someone who isn't needing help, Matos said people need to be prepared and plan ahead.

"Plug in your vehicle. Obviously, that is the number one thing that you can do to help yourself. If you're heading out…make sure that you never leave your home without at least a half tank of gas, making sure that your cell phone is fully charged and that you have a cell phone charger with you."

- With files from CTV's Daniel Halmarson