Residents of Northwestern Ontario, brace yourselves for a bitterly cold day ahead.

Environment Canada has issued extreme cold warnings for several regions, including Fort Frances, Kenora, Dryden, Atikokan, Sioux Narrows, Emo, and Rainy River.

For Wednesday morning, low temperatures will near minus 30 degrees Celsius with wind chills nearing minus 40 are anticipated.

While temperatures are forecasted to rise later in the morning due to daytime heating, wind chill values of minus 40 could return in some areas of the northwest, according to Environment Canada.

Extreme cold conditions pose significant risks to everyone, especially vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, those working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.

Environment Canada explained frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, particularly with wind chill. They emphasized covering up and limiting outdoor exposure.

Symptoms of cold-related issues include shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour change in fingers and toes.