Artic blast prompts extreme cold warning for northern Ont.

Rick Wyman has all the weather details you need to know for northeastern Ontario and what to expect for the next seven days.

Most of the country is taking part in a polar plunge Sunday, with plummeting temperatures and extreme cold warnings issued for much of the nation.

As of Sunday morning, an extreme cold warning is in effect for most of northern Ontario, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The cold snap is part of a multi-day episode of frigid wind chills blanketing the country and province.

In the northeast, spots like Greater Sudbury, North Bay and West Nipissing are sitting at temperatures in the minus-20s, with wind chills as low as -40 and Timmins region is expecting windchills as cold as -45.

“Relief from extreme cold is expected to be limited even during the daytime hours when temperatures typically moderate,” said staff meteorologists in the warning.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk.”

Officials said to watch for cold related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

“Check on older family, friends and neighbours,” reads the warning.

Individuals in regions under extreme cold warnings are advised to wear extra layers that are wind-resistant and to avoid keeping pets outside for prolonged periods of time.

“Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm,” said ECCC.

“Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.”

Despite the latest arctic blast, ECCC has forecasted some relief from the cold snap expected next week.

“Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada,” continues the warning.

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