Environment Canada warns of dangerous cold across southern Ontario

This weekend will likely be the most frigid time of the entire year, according to Environment Canada. And with windchills expected below – 30 C, safety becomes a factor when enjoying the outdoors.

Winter so far this season has been much colder than normal. Seasonal afternoon temperatures should be around – 2 C with overnight lows not surpassing – 10 C. Safety becomes a factor with both skin exposure to the elements and injuries caused from outdoor activities.

“This weekend is probably going to be the frigid moment of the entire year,” said David Phillips, retired senior Climatologist with Environment Canada.

Those who were out at Waterdown Memorial Park today felt that first hand. Windchills will dip below – 30 C tonight and likely be repeated tomorrow night and into Monday morning according to Environment Canada.

“Not a melting temperature, not a melting moment has occurred in the last three weeks. Prior to that we had that kind of thaw period, we had 10 days where we got temperatures up to the mid teens,” said Phillips.

Despite this, there seems to be a glimmer of hope on the horizon with temperatures rising to 1 C on Tuesday – but only short lived.

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“We saw – 31 C windchill in Hamilton this morning. We had five hours where the windchill was below – 30 C. That begins to freeze flesh in a matter of minutes,” said Phillips.

This is a common safety concern with outdoor activity and exposed skin. Next on the list? Concussions.

“The most common injury is a head injury, unfortunately, concussions,” said Dr. Andrew Burkett, chief of staff at Brant Community Healthcare System.

This comes from collisions during outdoor activities, according to Dr. Burkett. He notes the speed during activities like tobogganing and the impact of collisions can cause significant injury. Helmets are one way to prevent a trip to the ER.

“Wear a helmet is the most specific advice. In addition, it has to be a hockey helmet or a skiing helmet. A bike helmet isn’t safe enough,” said Dr. Burkett.

Picking appropriate places to toboggan is also key, he says — hills away from trees, fences and roads in particular. When ice skating, make sure there is supervision.

Those enjoying the elements today took turns going down the hill to avoid collisions. But the idea of wearing a helmet while doing so is still sinking in.

“Depending on the situation, could call for a helmet. In a case like this hill here and being the only ones out here without any worry of colliding with somebody, I think they are okay without a helmet,” said one father out with his kids.

According to Environment Canada, we are not rushing into spring as the last week of February is turning frigid again, so we are going to have to put up with this for a while.

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