An extreme cold warning has been issued for the entirety of central and northern Saskatchewan, as a polar vortex is set to pull down temperatures even more on Thursday night.
Environment Canada is warning of temperatures around -30 C in the Saskatoon and Prince Albert areas, and wind chill values between -40 and -45 C on Thursday evening into Friday morning.
Temperatures in areas including La Ronge and Fond du Lac are expected to plummet into an even deeper freeze, with wind chills expected to dip as low as -50 C.
The weather agency is recommending people to cover up, since frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin. They’re also advising drivers to keep emergency supplies — including extra blankets and jumper cables — in their vehicles.
Temperatures are expected to warm slightly through the day on Friday as clouds move in, pushing the current ridge of high pressure to the southeast.