Extreme cold warnings issued for Kamloops and surrounding highways

Starting Thursday (Jan. 11) and lasting through the weekend, Environment Canada says the North and South Thompson regions will see wind chill values from minus 35 to minus 40 degrees Celsius. It’s due an extremely cold arctic ridge over B.C. making temperatures hovering between minus 25 to minus 35 degrees Celsius while being aided by winds of 20 to 30 km/h.

Elsewhere, the Coquihalla Highway from Hope to Kamloops and the Okanagan Connector from Merritt to Kelowna have extreme cold warnings in effect from Thursday until late Friday morning. Temperatures are expected to hover between minus 25 to minus 30 and winds are expected to gust to 50 km/h during that timeframe.

Drivers are also being warned they may encounter blowing snow that can reduce visibility. The weather agency adds weather in the mountains can change suddenly resulting in hazardous driving conditions.

Residents are encouraged to watch for cold related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers in toes. The weather agency adds frostbite can develop on exposed skin within minutes, especially with windchill, so residents are encouraged to cover up.

Additionally, residents are encouraged to keep emergency supplies their vehicles, such as extra blankets and jumper cables.