Airdrie and Cochrane are both currently under an extreme cold warning. 

 For Environment Canada to put an extreme cold warning in effect the area involved must be expecting temperatures around -42 with the windchill. 

Sarah Hoffman, Meteorologist with Environment Canada says these warnings are put in for the safety of the public. 

"We put these warnings in effect whenever there are going to be temperatures below of -42 degrees for more than two consecutive hours."

According to Hoffman, These temperatures are going to stick around for a while. 

"We are expecting this to last until at least Tuesday morning, moderating Tuesday evening into Wednesday." 

There are a number of risks associated with these temperatures including frostbite which can happen within minutes of naked skin being exposed to these temperatures. 

"One of the main risks is frostbite and hypothermia. The risks are greater for vulnerable populations as well such as young infants, the elderly, people with illness, working or exercising outdoors and people without proper shelters."

Questions? Comments? Story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com