Brace yourselves Kamloops.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for much of the southern part of the province due to the arrival of arctic winds that covers Kamloops, the Coquihalla, the Shuswap, the Okanagan, and the Kootenays.

“Wind gusts up to 70 km/h are likely. However, there is a risk of locally higher wind gusts this afternoon,” said a statement from the weather agency.

It will lead to low wind chill values, with temperatures in Kamloops expected to continue dropping today, to -10 C. With wind chill, the thermometer could read -18 C.

Temperatures in Kamloops are expected to touch -13 C tomorrow night, as well as on Friday and Saturday night, without wind chill values being factored in.

Meanwhile, areas in the Lower Mainland are under wind-warnings right now, with speeds expected to exceed 90 km/hr.

And so, Environment Canada is reminding people working outside to dress warmly and in layers.

As well, people who have to travel long distances are being urged to make sure their vehicle is equipped with a winter weather emergency kit including blankets, extra clothing and boots.