Cold weather alert issued for City of Hamilton

With the temperature drop, the City of Hamilton has issued a cold weather alert — warning residents to stay indoors.

Cold weather alerts are issued when weather conditions are expected to drop below -15 C or -20 C with the wind chill, and there is a heightened risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

The Medical Officer of Health for Hamilton put out the alert Sunday morning. It will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.

The Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton is issuing a Cold Weather Alert effective tonight. A Cold Weather Alert is issued when current or anticipated weather conditions are at or below -15C or -20 with wind chill. Learn more: https://t.co/tiTGAAlnxx pic.twitter.com/vhdQLgavqZ

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) January 14, 2024

Between Dec. 1 and March 31, regardless of temperature, the Winter Response Strategy is also in effect.

READ MORE: City of Hamilton launches winter response strategy

During this time, the following additional supports are available:

• A dedicated warming bus
• Increased hours at three select Recreation centres
• Increased hours at the Central Hamilton Public Library
• Two parks will offer 24-hour operational washroom facilities
• Increased overnight warming spaces
• Increased overnight & daytime drop-in spaces
• Increased emergency shelter beds

The following recreation centres offer extended hours:

• Westmount Recreation Centre, 35 Lynbrook Dr, Hamilton
• Valley Park Recreation Centre, 970 Paramount Dr., Stoney Creek
• Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre, 192 Wentworth St N, Hamilton

For more information about the strategy, including a full list of stops for the nightly warming bus, visit the City of Hamilton’s website here.

The City’s Winter Response Strategy is in full swing. Introducing the Warm Bus 🚌, a free service running daily from 10pm-6am, travelling throughout the City and stopping at warming centres and other locations. Find out more at: https://t.co/KsRyPWifz3 pic.twitter.com/rpJ3nPKsAo

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) January 14, 2024

The City of Hamilton has several suggestions on what residents should do during a Cold Alert.

It says the best place for you to be during a Cold Alert is indoors.

If you must be outside the city has several recommendations to reduce your chances of injury, including:

• Dress in layers of clothing. Keep inner layers dry. Wet clothing increases the risk of cold injury.
• Protect your face, ears and hands with a scarf, hat, and gloves
• To protect your feet, socks must be dry. Wool is a good material to keep your feet dry.
• Drink warm fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Avoid strenuous exercise

READ MORE: Winter storm brings slick roads and power outages to Hamilton, Niagara