Calgary, southern Alberta under extreme cold warning

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Calgary, along with the rest of the province.

The weather agency issued the warning Wednesday afternoon,sayingtemperatures are expected to feel like -40 C with the wind chill in Calgaryand southern Albertaover the next three days.

The wind chill index is an approximate measure of how cold it feels during chilly, windy weather. The figures are based on the effects of wind velocity and low temperature on skin.

"The wind chill may moderate during the day but extreme cold will continue through the week," Environment Canada statedon its website.

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

Earlier this week, forecasts had predicted that a heavy snowfall, caused by two distinct weather systems, would be followed by a brief cold snap for Calgary.

Throughout the week, communitiesin southCalgary received upwards of 30 centimetres of snow.

The highs on Thursday are expected to be around -25 Cand around -20 C on Friday. The cold snap should end by Saturday and the high is expected to be around -2 C.