Environment Canada says we can expect a multi-day episode of very cold wind chills as an Arctic ridge of high pressure settles into the region.

Extreme cold warnings are in effect over much of central and northern Saskatchewan including Hudson Bay, Porcupine Plain, La Ronge, Meadow Lake, Big River, Green Lake, Melfort, Tisdale, Nipawin, Carrot River, Prince Albert, Shellbrook, Spiritwood and Duck Lake.

Temperatures in the minus thirties combined with winds of 10 to 15 km/h will lead to extreme wind chills near minus 40 over parts of Saskatchewan. The extreme cold warnings will likely be expanded southward later today. The national forecaster says some relief from the cold will arrive on the weekend.