Temperatures in Fort Nelson are forecast to drop as low as –45 C with the wind chill overnight, prompting Environment Canada to issue a yellow-level weather alert for parts of northern British Columbia.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes,” the federal weather monitor explained.
The alert applies to several communities across northern B.C., including the northwestern town of Atlin and the Cassiar Mountain range, which extends over the border into Yukon. A yellow alert is the least severe and most commonly issued, according to Environment Canada. The next level of severity is an orange alert, with red alerts reserved for life-threatening conditions.
Wind chill describes how cold it feels on the skin when low temperatures combine with high winds. It is not a temperature forecast, but an index indicating how the cold may affect exposed skin, potentially leading to frostbite, Environment Canada said.
Another risk presented by this extreme cold is hypothermia. This condition occurs when a person’s body temperature drops by at least 1 C. If the drop is only by a degree or two, it is considered stage one – signs include goosebumps, numb hands, and nausea. The telltale sign of it worsening is a “warm sensation,” which often points to the body temperature further dropping by two to four degrees.
“Your shivering is strong. Muscles are uncoordinated and movements are slow and laboured. You may suffer mild confusion, become pale, and your lips, ears, fingers, and toes may turn blue,” explained Health Canada. “An easy test to check if you have stage two hypothermia (is trying to) touch your thumb to your little finger. If you can’t your muscles are not working properly.”
Stage three occurs when the body drops below 32 C – this stage is life threatening and “your heart may be beating quickly but your pulse and breathing will decrease,” the health agency said.
Health Canada recommends staying dry, keeping active and dressing warmly to prevent frostbite and early symptoms of hypothermia. The agency also suggests drinking hot cocoa or any warm, sweet beverage to help raise body temperature.
