A long period of extreme cold temperatures and wind chills will continue today in Alberta and throughout the weekend.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says temperatures will hover around minus 30 degrees Celsius on Thursday with wind chill values expected to be close to minus 40. Meteorologists add, temperatures will continue to gradually fall through the end of the week with the coldest values expected by Saturday morning.

According to ECCC, over the weekend, morning temperatures will reach minus 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. Wind chills are expected to approach minus 50. Slight improvement in the temperature is forecast for early next week, but below normal temperatures are likely to continue.

Officials say risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter. Officials are reminding residents to watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

Click here for a complete list of weather warnings currently in place across Alberta.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ABstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ABStorm.