Much of Manitoba sits under an extreme cold warning on Tuesday morning.

An Arctic ridge of high pressure building over the Prairies has ushered in a cold air mass.

Temperatures Tuesday morning have dropped to near the minus 30 mark in some areas of western Manitoba.

These temperatures in combination with westerly winds of 10 to 20 km/h are creating wind chill values of near minus 40. Wind chill values will moderate slightly during the day however similar wind chill values are likely again Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

In northern Manitoba, the wind chill values are around -45.

As a result, most of northern Manitoba, and all of western Manitoba sits under extreme cold warnings.

Winnipeg forecast

The City of Winnipeg will be slightly warmer than areas in the West and North. 

Sunshine is expected, with a daytime high of -19. Winds will blow from the west at an average speed of 20 km/h, making for a wind chill this afternoon of -29.

Cold temperatures are expected to remain for at least the next week, with day time highs averaging around -19, and dipping as low as -24.

The normal daytime high for this time of year is -9.

Prevent frostbite

Watch for cold-related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.

Current watches and warnings