The Arctic air has arrived and it will not be leaving any time soon.

Daytime highs in the minus 20’s could be common right through the New Year, according to Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang.

“Once the cold air becomes entrenched, it becomes kind of hard to move it out cause it’s going to be covering all of western Canada. They’re even talking about the possibility of a white Christmas in Vancouver which has never happened. It’s going to be around for a while covering quite a large area.”

Lang anticipates there will be a few severe cold warnings next week as well.

An extreme cold warning is in effect for the City of Lloydminster Sask., Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman, Rosthern, Delisle, Wakaw, Prince Albert, Shellbrook, Spiritwood, Duck Lake,  Hudson Bay, Porcupine Plain, Meadow Lake,  Big River,  Green Lake, Pierceland, Melfort, Tisdale, Nipawin, Carrot River, The Battlefords, Unity, Maidstone, St. Walburg, La Loche, Clearwater River Prov. Park, Cluff Lake, Cree Lake, Key Lake.

As of Saturday morning, Environment Canada says extremely cold wind chill values near -40 are expected tonight and throughout the weekend. The national weather forecaster says extreme cold weather puts everyone at risk and to dress warmly use layers and out layer that is wind resistant.  And if it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.