Frostbite in minutes. Dangerously cold wind chills of -60 hit Canada's north

Although this winter has completely lacked in true ‘Canadian conditions,’ parts of Nunavut will certainly be feeling the harshest side of the season as dangerously cold conditions grip the region this week.

Extreme cold warnings are in effect, with wind chills of -55 to -60 expected at times through Wednesday. Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove, Chesterfield Inlet and Naujaat will be feeling the worst of these conditions.

When conditions are this severe, frostbite can develop within just minutes on exposed skin, so it’s important to take the proper precautions to remain safe.

“If it’s too cold for you outside, so is your pet. An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when wind chill or very cold temperatures pose a high health hazard (frostbite, hypothermia, etc.),” says Environment and Climate Change Canada in the warning.

These extreme conditions may come as a bit of a shock to the system across the region, especially during a winter that’s seen periods of record warmth. Just last month, slightly north of Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Nvt., was the national hot spot, rising to 7.2°C and falling to an overnight low of -3.2°C. The January record for Nunavut is 8.1°C, recorded in 2011 at the same station.

It was 25-30°C above normal –– an impressive feat in the winter for any location, let alone in the Far North.

December saw similar winter warmth for the region, with all-time records shattered for the month, as well. In fact, some of the temperatures for December were 15-30 degrees, or even higher, above normal.