Canada records wind chill temperatures of up to -55 °C on one of the coldest days in recent years

Canada faces one of the most extreme cold spells in recent years this Saturday, with wind chill temperatures reaching as low as -55 degrees Celsius, due to the presence of a polar vortex over the western part of the country, meteorological authorities reported.

The phenomenon is especially affecting the western provinces, known as Las Praderas, where the Arctic air has caused a historic drop in temperatures, reported the news agency EFE.

Similarly, in Ontario, the most populous province and main industrial center of the country, the wind chill ranges from -30 to -45 degrees, according to Environment Canada.

Extreme conditions have caused significant disruptions in air transport.

Air Canada confirmed delays and flight cancellations at the airports in Toronto and Montreal, while similar situations are being reported in cities such as Quebec and Halifax on the Atlantic coast.

The intense cold has also put pressure on the electrical systems. In the province of Nova Scotia, the company Nova Scotia Power has urged the population to moderate energy consumption due to the significant increase in demand.

Similar warnings were issued in Newfoundland and Labrador, where authorities are alerting about the power system approaching its maximum capacity.

In cities like Toronto and Hamilton, homeless shelters are operating at capacity. Municipal authorities have ordered shelters not to turn anyone away, given the risk of frostbite within minutes, especially overnight.

Despite the extreme temperatures, Niagara Falls continues to attract tourists, who come to observe and photograph the partially frozen landscape, a common sight during harsh winters but especially striking on this occasion.

The Canadian Meteorological Service warned that extreme cold will persist for several days in some regions, and starting Sunday, heavy snowfall could be recorded in provinces like Ontario, further worsening weather and mobility conditions.

Several regions in the United States have also been declared in "emergency" due to the winter storm.