It’s cold and it’s going to stay that way for a few days. Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning which covers the whole province, and it continues through Monday morning, with temperatures at their coldest overnight with windchills between -40 and -50. Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.

Saskatchewan is not alone in the frigid temperatures. Windchills of -20 to -30 are forecast for much of British Columbia’s southern and central region and along the coast. Further north, it’s -40 to -50. Alberta’s windchills are expected to hit in the -40 range through the weekend and -50 further north.

Meanwhile, Quebec is just getting over a snowstorm and there is another one with significant snow expected over western and southern Quebec tomorrow night and eastern quebec on Saturday, with a snowfall warning in effect, as well as freezing rain further south, which could transition to rain.

Safety tips from Environment Canada:

Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.

Cover up. 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.

Watch for colour changes on fingers and toes, pain, numbness, a tingling sensation, or swelling. If present, move indoors and begin warming.

Keep moving to maintain your body heat and seek shelter from the wind.

Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.