A wintry chill has come over the Lower Mainland with the first arctic intrusion of the year.
An arctic outflow warning from Environment Canada remains in effect for Metro Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley from today (Jan. 12) through Saturday (Jan. 13) afternoon.
Temperatures were observed at -15 C this morning at Abbotsford International Airport with a wind chill of -27 C, according to Environment Canada. In Vancouver, the temperature was -13 C at 7 a.m. with a wind chill of -23 C.
“Arctic air combined with strong outflow winds gusting up to 60 km/h will generate wind chill values of minus 20,” the weather warning reads.
The weather warning cautions the public of the risk of frostbite and hypothermia during the frigid temperatures.
“Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors. Any skin exposure will result in frostbite,” the warning reads.
Environment Canada says wind chill values are likely to moderate on Saturday afternoon but could remain near -10 to -20 through Sunday (Jan. 14) morning.
The alert advises people to dress in warm layers, cover as much exposed skin as possible and stay dry.
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