A prolonged period of extreme cold which has already hit much of Western Canada will continue to expand into Manitoba Wednesday and Thursday, Environment Canada says.

 for all four western provinces, including most of Manitoba.

Frigid temperatures are expected to combine with wind chill factors to make it feel as cold as&nbsp;–40&nbsp;in southern Manitoba on Wednesday night, and closer to –45&nbsp;or&nbsp;–50&nbsp;in the northern region of the province.

The extremely cold weather has already hit B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and parts of western Manitoba.

2-3 hour wait for boosts from CAA as extreme cold hits Saskatchewan

An extreme cold warning is covering the province, and it's going to get even colder in the next 24 hours.

Mail carrier Blaine Sanheim working in extreme weather conditions in Regina. 

Weather cold snow winter

All of Saskatchewan is under an extreme weather warning, according to Environment Canada.

New records broken as extreme cold and snowfall warnings persist across B.C. Interior and north

Schools are open in most of the B.C. Interior, but many bus runs have been cancelled as frigid temperatures set new records throughout the region.

A city crew worker breaks up the ice covering a storm drain along 6th Ave. in downtown Prince George in -43 C weather Jan. 15. A pair of water main breaks in the city caused hazardous driving conditions as thick steam lifted off the ice.

Water main break Prince George

A city crew worker breaks up ice covering a storm drain along 6th Avenue in downtown Prince George in -43 C cold on Jan. 15. A pair of water main breaks in the city caused hazardous driving conditions as thick steam lifted off the ice.

How cold is Alberta these days? Let's just say even the penguins can't deal

Just how cold is it in Alberta these days? Colder than the South Pole — at least in Calgary, where the zoo locked even the penguins indoors to keep their tootsies toasty.

The Calgary Zoo is resuming its daily walk for the king penguins starting Jan. 13. Here they are having a trial run on Thursday. 

penguin walk zoo 

The Calgary Zoo was to resume its annual Penguin Walks on Monday but it has been too cold for the sub-Antarctic king penguins. Here, they take a trial waddle last Thursday (and you can see video of that waddle at the bottom of this story).

The dangerous wind chills in Manitoba are expected to ease somewhat during the day Thursday, Environment Canada says, but temperatures will remain low.

More seasonal temperatures will provide a short respite on Friday, the weather agency said, but the deep cold is expected to return again on the weekend.

The extreme cold can be dangerous, Environment Canada warns, with&nbsp;frostbite developing on exposed skin within minutes.

Manitobans should watch for&nbsp;signs of cold-related symptoms, including&nbsp;shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, and numbness or colour change in fingers and toes.

Extreme cold warnings are out for tonight into tomorrow morning in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manitoba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manitoba</a> (Jan 15-16). <br>Note the different criteria for extreme cold in the south (-40 temps or windchill) versus the north (-45 to -50 temps or windchill). Bundle up! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MBstorm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MBstorm</a> <a href="https://t.co/fjjcStJkIb">pic.twitter.com/fjjcStJkIb</a>

As well, "if it's too cold for you to stay outside, it's too cold for your pet to stay outside," Environment Canada says.

The forecast high for Winnipeg on Thursday is&nbsp;–23 C, with the wind chill making it feel even colder.

The City of Winnipeg is warning its residents to be ready for the cold and keep these safety tips in mind:

Older adults and young children should avoid long periods outdoors.

Check on older friends, relatives&nbsp;and neighbours who live alone.

Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If symptoms are present, seek medical attention. Severe hypothermia can be life threatening.

Call 911 if you see someone who appears to be injured or in need of assistance due to the cold.

Warm up at civic facilities during operating hours.

Bundle up if you're going outside, because dangerous wind chill factors mean exposed skin can quickly freeze, says Environment Canada.

Extreme cold blankets most of Manitoba

Bundle up or find shelter

More Stories Like This