Dangerous wind chills seize southern Manitoba

A number of southern Manitoba communities arein the clutches of some deep, dangerously frigid weather.

Temperatures are below 30 C but wind chills are making it feel colder than 40. Exposed skin will freezein about 10 minutes at those levels.

As of 10:30 a.m.some wind chills were:

• Winnipeg airport 40.
• Brandon 42.
• Emerson 35.
• Deerwood36.
• Richer39.

Environment Canada had issued an extreme cold warning for a large part of southern Manitoba but lifted it around 10:30 a.m. for all areas but those around the Brandon region.

And here's something you're not going to hear very often Churchill is Manitoba's hot spot.

The northern town on the shore of Hudson Bay, known for its polar bears, is at 19.8 C (although the wind chill makes it feel more like31).At 10 a.m., the coldest place, not just in Manitoba but all of Canada, was Carman at34 C (with a wind chill of42).

Dangerous wind chills seize southern Manitoba

8 years ago

Duration 1:47

A number of southern Manitoba communities are in the clutches of some deep, dangerously frigid weather.

It is expected therewill be some slight relief fromthose bitter temperatures during the afternoon but wind chills are still expected to be in the30 to35range.The extreme wind chills are likely to redevelop again tonight if the skies remain clear, Environment Canada says.

And the deep freeze is likely to last for the restof the week, easing up on the weekend.

• Environment Canada weather alerts for Manitoba

Demand at homeless shelters

The cold has made Winnipeg's homeless sheltersexceptionally busy. A spokesperson forSiloam Mission said all 110 beds have been full most of the winter but the demand now far exceeds the supply.

The centre will keep its drop-in centre open all day during the cold snap for people who need to find respite. The centre usually closes for two hours in the afternoon for cleaning.

Siloamis also working with other shelters to find room for those they can't take in.

• 2nd homeless outreach vehicle gets ready to roll in Winnipeg

The Salvation Army in Winnipeg intends to sendout its rescue vehicle tonight, for the first time since the agency acquired it from their brethren in Thunder Bay.

The converted ambulance willpatrol the streets and take in homeless people caught outside in extreme weather. It will have scarves, mitts and coffee and provide a place where people can warm up, saidexecutive directorMajor RobKerr.

The first run will go between11 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Although the vehicle arrived a few weeks ago, it hasn't been out yet because there was a staff shortage duringthe Christmas holidays. Also, the weather until now was mild enough that the need wasn't as urgent, Kerrsaid.

Civic facilities offer respite

The City of Winnipeg is also inviting the public to use civic facilities as warm-up centres during regular operating hours.

The facilities include city hall (open weekdays), Winnipeg Public Libraries, civic swimming poolsand leisure centres.

For regular operating hours, check the city's websiteor contactthe information line by phoning 311 or by emailing: 311@winnipeg.ca

How to avoidfrostbite and hypothermia

Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation than other material. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body, keeping you dry and further reducing your risk.

Dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.

Wear warm socks, gloves or mitts, a hat and a scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.

If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.

Winnipeg forecast for Jan. 4

• High 21 C.
• Mix of sun and cloud and very cold.
• Wind west 10 km/h.
• Mainly clear tonight.
• Low29 C.

Normal temperatures for this time of year are a daytime high of13 C and an overnight low of23 C.