A brutal wave of Arctic cold is tightening its grip across large parts of Canada, prompting Environment Canada to issue multiple orange-level cold warnings on Friday morning, with wind chill values in some regions expected to fall as low as –50.
All of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are currently under the orange-level warning, a second-tier alert issued when severe weather poses a high risk of disruption, damage, or serious health impacts. A significant portion of northwestern Ontario is also included under the same warning.
Environment Canada says the country is in the midst of a “multi-day episode” of extreme cold, with wind chill temperatures ranging from –40 to –50 across the Prairie provinces. Northwestern Ontario is expected to experience similarly dangerous conditions, with wind chills between –40 and –48.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” the agency warned in its alert, urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets.
Canadians are advised to dress in warm layers, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant, and to limit time outdoors whenever possible. Officials also stressed that if conditions are too cold for people to remain outside, they are also too cold for pets. Homeowners are encouraged to ensure their houses are well-insulated, heating systems are functioning properly, and drafts or cracks are sealed to prevent heat loss.
Little relief is expected elsewhere in the country. An Arctic air mass remains entrenched over Ontario and much of Quebec, keeping temperatures well below seasonal norms.
Most of Ontario is under a yellow-level cold warning, the most commonly issued alert. Wind chill values across the province are expected to range from –40 to –45, while areas farther south, including the Greater Toronto Area, may see slightly less severe but still dangerous wind chills of around –30 to –33. Cottage country and regions extending east through Peterborough, Kingston, and Ottawa are forecast to experience colder conditions, with wind chills between –35 and –40.
Quebec is also under yellow-level cold warnings, with wind chill temperatures expected to reach –35 to –40 in many areas.
In the Maritimes, the deep freeze is set to arrive slightly later. All of New Brunswick is forecast to see temperatures between –30°C and –37°C starting Saturday, with the coldest conditions expected in the province’s northwestern regions through Sunday.
Authorities continue to urge the public to stay informed, check on vulnerable individuals, and take all necessary precautions as the extreme cold persists across much of the country.
