Frostbite Risk High as Wind Chill Dips to Dangerous Levels
Current Conditions and Forecast: Persistent Extreme Cold and Wind Chill
WINNIPEG, MB – Residents of Winnipeg are waking up to a frigid -26°C morning, with the presence of ice crystals adding to the city’s wintry landscape. The extreme cold warning continues, and today’s weather is marked by cloudiness shifting to a mix of sun and cloud later in the morning. Northwest winds are blowing at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h. Despite a high of -24°C, the wind chill will make it feel much colder, plummeting to -41 this morning and -36 in the afternoon. The risk of frostbite is imminent, with the possibility of it occurring within minutes. The UV index remains low at 1.
Tonight’s Outlook
Clear skies early tonight will give way to partly cloudy conditions overnight. The wind will shift to the west at 20 km/h. Temperatures are expected to drop to a low of -30°C, with the wind chill nearing a perilous -43. The rapid onset of frostbite remains a serious concern.
Monday’s Forecast
Monday, January 15th, will see increasing cloudiness with light snow expected to begin in the afternoon. Winds will increase, blowing from the northwest at 30 km/h and gusting to 50 km/h. The high is forecasted to be -22°C, but the wind chill will hover near -39, continuing the risk of frostbite. The UV index will again be low at 1.
Multi-Day Extreme Cold Episode
The current weather pattern is part of a multi-day episode of very cold wind chills, expected to persist through Tuesday. Wind chills are forecasted to range between -40 to -55 at times. An arctic air mass is responsible for this dangerously cold weather, exacerbated by winds of 15 to 30 km/h.
Health Risks and Safety Measures
- Extreme Cold: This level of cold puts everyone at risk, especially without proper clothing and shelter.
- Frostbite Warning: Frostbite can develop rapidly on exposed skin. Cover up completely when outside.
- Pet Safety: If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s also too cold for pets.
Weather Trivia
Did you know? The coldest temperature ever recorded in Winnipeg was -47.8°C on December 24, 1879!
