Wind chill values from -40C to -45C are expected to hit 100 Mile House on Thursday afternoon (Jan. 10).
The cold temperatures are expected to last through the weekend according to a news release from Environment Canada and Climate Change Canada.
“An extremely cold arctic ridge is building over B.C. and pushing south. Temperatures near -30C in combination with periodic winds between 15 and 30 km/h will create dangerous wind chill values of between -40C to -45C beginning Thursday afternoon.”
Residents are urged to watch for cold-related symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour changes in fingers and toes.
A warming centre is located at the South Cariboo Rec Centre on Wrangler Way for those who need somewhere warm to go.
Susann Collins, executive director for the South Cariboo Canadian Mental Health Association said the hours are as follows: Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
If it is necessary to go outside, people should cover up all exposed skin as frostbite can occur within minutes. Officials note that if it is too cold for you to be outside, it is too cold for your pets to be outside.