Environment Canada has issued a frostbite warning for Behchokǫ̀ as dangerous wind chill values create a high risk for residents this week. The warning comes as the community faces a cold snap, with wind chill values dropping low enough to freeze exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30 minutes.
The wind chill in the community reached -32 degrees Celsius this morning. While temperatures are expected to sit at -9 degrees Celsius today, the wind chill will remain a significant concern for anyone spending time outdoors.
Behchokǫ̀ is the largest Tłı̨chǫ community, with about 1,900 people living about an hour’s drive northwest of Yellowknife. This cold weather arrives while the community is already managing significant infrastructure challenges, including frozen water pipes and low water levels that have forced residents to conserve water.
Forecasters expect the cold snap to ease gradually as the week continues. Temperatures are expected to climb from -6 degrees Celsius on Thursday and -3 degrees Celsius on Friday, eventually reaching above-freezing highs of 2 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 3 degrees Celsius by Sunday.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local updates and take precautions against the extreme cold while these temperatures remain below the seasonal average for April.
