Flin Flon, along with most of western Canada, is under an extreme cold warning Friday that is expected to last into the weekend.
Environment Canada issued the warning for Flin Flon early Friday morning, matching similar warnings for much of British Columbia and all of both Alberta and Saskatchewan. Parts of western Manitoba and the province's remote north are also under similar warnings.
At their coldest, wind chills are expected to drop down into the minus-50 degree range at times, according to Environment Canada forecasts.
The Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre has opened its doors as an emergency shelter for anyone vulnerable to the cold, including unhoused or underhoused people. The centre is located at 57 Church Street uptown and is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and overnight starting at 10 p.m. The centre is also looking for donations from the community of winter clothing and snacks like fruit or granola bars - donations can be arranged by calling the centre at (204) 687-8855.
"Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill," reads the warning.
"Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frostbite and hypothermia."
According to Environment Canada forecasts for Flin Flon, temperatures Friday night are expected to drop down to the minus-30 range, with windchills as low as minus-43 overnight, warning that frostbite can develop "in minutes" in these conditions.
The weather is expected to continue through Saturday and Sunday before improving gradually next week, with daily highs in the minus-20s anticipated for next week.
