Residents of Behchokǫ̀ are being urged to dress warmly as a cold snap moves through the community this week, bringing freezing temperatures and a high risk of frostbite.
Environment Canada reports that overnight lows will drop to -20°C throughout the week, with wind chill values reaching between -27 and -33. While there are currently no official weather alerts in effect, the weather agency notes that these conditions pose a significant risk to anyone with exposed skin.
According to Environment Canada safety guidelines, wind chill values between -28 and -39 mean that exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Residents are encouraged to monitor their faces and extremities for signs of numbness or whiteness while outdoors.
The forecast for the community, which sits about 110 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife on Great Slave Lake, shows a gradual warming trend. Daytime highs will climb from -5°C today to -1°C by Tuesday, April 7, before temperatures begin to cool again. Overnight lows throughout the week will range from -10°C to -20°C.
Behchokǫ̀ is home to 1,746 residents, according to the 2021 census, and is the largest Dene First Nations community in Canada. Local officials remind community members to remain prepared for cold conditions as the spring transition continues.
