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UPDATED: Second extreme cold warning issued this week for Red Deer, Central Alberta

Wind chill of -40 C expected tonight for Red Deer
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An extreme cold warning was issued for Red Deer and Central Alberta approximately 11 hours after the first advisory lifted.

Parts of Stettler County, Lacombe County, Ponoka County, and Red Deer County, are also under an extreme weather warning.

On Monday, an extreme cold warning was issued, and lifted at 4:24 a.m. Wednesday. At 3:38 p.m. a second warning came into effect.

Environment Canada meteorologist Dan Kulak said it’s been cold in Red Deer, but the temperatures are not breaking any records.

While the temperatures are dipping below average, the cold snap is not unusual, said Kulak. The average day time high for the latter part of December is -6 C.

On Tuesday, the Red Deer Airport recorded a temperature of -33.5 C. In 1971, the temperatures plunged to -38.9 C on Boxing Day.

Red Deerians can expect a wind chill of -40 C overnight Wednesday.

The skies will be cloudy Thursday with a high of -20 C and a wind chill of -39 C for Red Deer.

Kulak said the cold is here to stay, at least for the next two weeks.

“We may return to seasonal weather (during the) early part of next week, but we are not seeing anything mild for at least the next couple weeks,” he said.

Kulak said most of Canada and parts of U.S. are in the similar cold air mass coming in from the Arctic.

Environment Canada asks residents to watch for any cold-related symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in toes and fingers.

Alberta Health Services offers cold weather safety tips like dressing properly and anticipating sudden weather changes. An emergency kit, consisting of extra clothing, blankets and other road-side supplies, is also recommended.

For winter recreation, dress children in layers, with wind and waterproof top layers. Hats prevent heat loss and mittens are deemed warmer than gloves.

Starting next week, temperatures will stay around -7 or -8 C, which is closer to the January daytime high.