Extreme cold forecast expected to warm up by Friday: Environment Canada

Environment Canada forecasters expect the extreme cold temperatures to ease up by the end of the week.

An extreme cold warning remains in effect for the East Kootenay and Elk Valley, as wind chill values will make the temperature feel like minus 40.

Environment Canada forecasters warn the cold temperatures and wind chill create an elevated risk for frost bite and hypothermia.

Temperatures are expected to gradually rise on Thursday and Friday.

The extreme temperatures have prompted temporary warming centres to be established in Cranbrook and the Kimberley Public Library to open their doors to people in need.

Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka also penned a letter to community stakeholders for support after being made aware that a person died due to exposure to cold in the community recently.