B.C. braces for another day of extreme cold as Arctic air settles over province

Extreme cold warnings remain in effect for much of B.C., whichis experiencing some of the most frigid temperatures in the country as a mass of Arctic air continues to grip the province.

Puntzi Mountain, around 300 kilometres north of Vancouver, was the coldest spot in Canada at 44 Con Thursday morning, according to Environment Canada.

Extreme cold warnings remain in effect for much of central and northern B.C., with the wind chill factor making some areas feel as cold as 45 C.

"Extreme cold puts everyone at risk," the weather agency said in an extreme cold warning notice.

"Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill."

Winter storm expected for Island

An Arctic outflow warning is still in effect for Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound, the Southern Gulf Islands and the Fraser Valley.

With the wind chill, it could feel as cold as 10 C down to 25 C. Rising surface pressure is expected to continueto drive this cold air through mainland valleys and inlets throughout the week, with temperatures rebounding this weekend.

A winter storm watch is in effect for most of Vancouver Island, with significant snowfall expected to begin Friday night, as Pacific moisture collides with the Arctic front.

It's not yet clear how much snow will fall, but Environment Canada forecasts between 15 and25 centimetres in some areas.

Shelters available

Shelters across B.C. are working to provide warm spaces to those who need it, and volunteers are distributing warm clothes and blankets to those who are homeless.

In Fort St. John, outreach workers have put outa call for new tuques, gloves and socksto be donated for those sleeping outside, as used clothing cannot be accepted because of COVID-19 concerns.

To find a shelter in your area, call 211.

BC211isaBritish Columbia,non-profit organization that providesa free, confidential, multilingual service that links people toresources for help