Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold alert in the north of the province, where temperatures could drop to -45 degrees this weekend due to an arctic wind.
“Cover up. Frostbite can develop in minutes on skin exposed to wind chill. Keep moving to conserve body heat and protect yourself from the wind,” Environment Canada advised on its website Friday morning.
The presence of arctic air will therefore cause a wind chill of -38 degrees in the morning and at night from Friday to Saturday in the regions of Abitibi, Baie-Comeau, La Tuque, Les Escoumins – Forestville, Parent – Gouin reservoir, Laurentides and the Saguenay-Lac Nature Reserve -Saint Jean.
In the Blanc-Sablon, Chevery, Chibougamau, Matagami, Minganie, Natashquan, Manicouagan River, Sept-Îles – Port-Cartier and Waskaganish sectors, wind chill values are more likely to fluctuate between -38 degrees and -45 degrees.
“These wind chill readings will continue through Saturday while they will remain in place through Sunday morning for the North Shore regions. […] If you work outdoors, take regular warm-up breaks,” the agency reiterated.