An Arctic air mass moving across North America is bringing extreme cold to Western Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says.
The cold is expected to last into the weekend and is mainly affecting the Prairies. Parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut are under weather warnings.
In Manitoba, wind chill values between –45 and –50 C could continue until Monday. ECCC warns that frostbite can occur within minutes on exposed skin.
Similar wind chills are expected in northwestern Alberta, while northwestern Ontario may face several days of dangerous cold.
ECCC advises people to dress in warm layers, limit time outdoors, and carry emergency supplies in their vehicles.
Meteorologist Natalie Hasell said the polar vortex is causing cold air to flow freely into the Prairies, with no mountains to block it.
Snow squall warnings have also been issued for parts of Quebec and Ontario.
