Wednesday afternoon, Environment Canada issued an extreme cold warning for La Ronge and surrounding areas.

When extremely low temperatures or wind chill present an increased risk to health, such as frostbite or hypothermia, officials will issue an extreme cold warning. Expect wind chill readings of -45 degrees Celsius to -50 degrees Celsius.

The Prince Albert National Park, Montreal Lake, Pinehouse Lake, and Candle Lake Provincial Parks, as well as the Lac La Ronge and Narrow Hills areas, are also included in the advisory.

At times this week, the wind chill may decrease, but extremely low temperatures are expected to persist. Cold-related symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and changes in finger and toe color, according to Environment Canada.

Wrap up. Especially in the presence of wind cold, frostbite can occur on exposed skin within minutes, the warning warns. The rule of thumb is, “If it’s too cold for you to stay outdoors, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.”

Tonight, the low in La Ronge is forecasted to be -34 degrees Celsius, but the wind chill will make it feel like -47. On Thursday, the high will be -27 degrees and the low will be -28 degrees; on Friday, it will be cloudy and a cooler -14 degrees and -17 degrees.