An extreme cold warning has been issued for Airdrie and the surrounding area for the next few days.

The warning is in effect for Airdrie, Cochrane, Sundre and Olds.

"Air temperatures will continue to fall through the end of the week with the coldest values expected by Saturday morning. Temperatures will drop to near minus 30 degrees Celsius tonight with wind chills near minus 40. Over the weekend, morning temperatures will reach minus 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. Wind chills will approach minus 50," stated Environment and Climate Change Canada.

A slight improvement in the temperature is forecast for early next week, but certainty is low and below-normal temperatures are likely to continue.

"Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter."

Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill. If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.

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