We’re in for a stretch of bitterly cold weather with extremely cold wind chills developing tonight.

Environment Canada has issued an Extreme Cold Warning and reports that an area of light snow over parts of southern Manitoba will move out of our region later today.

As the sky clears, the temperature will drop sharply with wind chills near minus 40 overnight.

Toulouse the cat is happy to be warm, and is waiting for adoption through Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue. (photo credit: SAAR)

Extreme wind chills will persist through the week and expand into other parts of Manitoba.

We’re cautioned to cover up and watch for signs that we’re getting too cold: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain, and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

At these temperatures, frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.

We are also advised to make sure pets are warm and cozy during this cold spell.

For more information on cold and your health, visit Manitoba Health at https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/cold.html or call Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.