As the mid-point of December gets closer, temperatures continue to stay in the minus 20s, with even colder overnight and early morning windchills.

Environment Canada Scientist Christy Climenhaga says that while a break in the frigid temperatures is expected on Sunday and into next week, it will likely be short lived.

“Next week, we could see temperatures close to the minus single digits, maybe even close to freezing mark, depending on where you are in the province. Monday is looking to be a bit milder, but that warm up is also looking to be short-lived. It does look like our long-range models, although they can change as you go out into extended forecasts, it does have some cooler weather returning by the end of next week.”

During the evenings of the colder dates, windchills are reaching the minus 30s and minus 40s, meaning there is a risk of frostbite if skin is exposed for as short as 5 or ten minutes.

Climenhaga says it’s important to be cautious if braving the extremely cold nights.

“If you do have any plans that take you outdoors in the evening, make sure you ways to take a break and get warm. Make sure you’re wearing all the appropriate winter gear, hats, scarves, mitts and everything.”

While temperatures have been cooler than the average high of minus 8 and low of minus 17, Climenhaga says they have not been abnormally cold so far.

“This would be cooler than normal, but we do often see these swings above and below. So, temperatures into this range are not highly unusual for December, but they are cold.”

She advises anyone travelling during the winter and holidays to pack an emergency kit in their car with them.