The mild temperatures in January were a nice break from winter but the bitter cold is back and temperatures will be below average for the next few days.

Monday was a chilly morning and it is just the beginning of a frigid week of weather for the city.

Environment Canada says a light wind will dip temps into the minus 20s by the evening and with the wind chill it will feel more like -32 by Tuesday morning.

Those cold temperatures will continue for Wednesday and will stay below average for the rest of the week

EMS officials are urging people to take precautions against the cold and say the best practice is to be prepared.

“Think ahead and plan your outdoor activities, whether you’re going to be out for recreation or whether you have to be out in the environment for work, the two easiest things you can do is keep a warm, insulating layer next to skin, but also very importantly, wind and waterproof outer layers, anything that cuts the wind, particularly when there are wind chill factors, are going to keep you much warmer for much longer,” said Stuart Brideaux, from EMS Calgary.

Brideaux says exposed skin is especially susceptible to frost bite in conditions like these.

“Fingers and toes and any exposed parts or pointy parts, like your nose, ears or high points on your cheek are really susceptible at times and particularly with children as well. They simply regulate their body temperatures differently than adults, they can be more susceptible to cold more quickly so the odds are if you’re feeling the cold as an adult, your children are going to be feeling it too,” said Brideaux.

Brideaux says parents should keep an eye on children and switch out wet mitts, hats and boots for dry ones to reduce the risk of injuries from exposure.

He says older adults are also more likely to feel the effects of the cold weather but the bottom line is to be prepared.

“Often it’s a lack of proper footwear or outerwear as well, people are not wearing toques and gloves, and don’t even have them at hand, and you may get away with this from time to time and maybe something where you’re just going from point A to point B quite quickly, but the issue is if you’re not prepared for it and there’s nothing you can do to protect yourself from the effects of the extreme cold or wind, you’re going to end up likely suffering from it,” said Brideaux.

Brideaux says pets are also affected by the cold and should not be left outside for too long.

“So if you can imagine, you’ve got all four paws onto cold pavement or onto a cold surface for an extended period of time, that’s going to become a danger or uncomfortable after a while so be extra mindful of your pets.”

WinSport says that the hill at COP will be closed on Tuesday due to the extreme cold.

For more tips on being prepared for winter, visit the Environment Canada or Canadian Red Cross websites.