40 wind chill sparks extreme weather warnings in southern Alberta

Environment Canada issued extreme cold warning for parts of southern Alberta Friday.

A period of very cold wind chills is expected, making it feellike40 C overnight and into Saturday morning.

• The big chill: Extreme cold and snowfall blanket much of Canada
• Layer like a pro: how to beat whatever Mother Nature throws your way

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frostbite and hypothermia.

The areas affected as of 1:56 p.m. Friday are:

• Kananaskis and Canmore
• Banff National Park
• Airdrie, Cochrane, Olds and Sundre
• Hanna, Coronation and Oyen
• Red Deer, Ponoka, Innisfail and Stettler

Environment Canada is reminding people to protect pets by limiting their time outdoors.

It's also warning some are at greater risk than others for frostbite and hypothermia includinghomeless people,infants andseniors, outdoor workers andpeople with certain medical conditions such as diabetes and diseases affecting the blood vessels.

• Watch what it's like to slide down Calgary's newest winter attraction
• Young children left in cold vehicle as mothers went to bar, Lethbridge police say