The Foothills is about to experience a 30 degree difference in temperature outside from earlier this week.

A chinook is kicking out the system that brought two extreme cold warnings, issued on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, and will bring in highs above zero.

Kirk Thorneby, meteorologist with Environment Canada, says we could see warmer conditions hold out for a little while.

"After the chinook continues there's more warming that comes in from southern BC that should continue to keep temperatures above normal for at least the short term, and even looking out through most of the month of February the outlook models are also showing above normal conditions are expected for the southern parts of the province."

Thorneby says strong winds often accompany chinooks.

"These strong winds can be attributed to a strong jet stream that develops across the mountains. Usually what happens is these winds come across the mountains, they roll down the side of the mountain and as they roll they warm and cause strong winds and warm conditions."

Over the weekend the Foothills can expect to see sunshine and highs of 1 and 6 degrees.