Extreme cold weather warning issued by Environment Canada

Arctic-like temperatures are being felt throughout Ontario with extreme cold weather alerts issued for much of the province.

Environment Canada says the majority of southern Ontario including Halton Region will experience wind chills of minus 30 Celsius or below Thursday morning.

Temperatures will moderate throughout the day but wind chills will still be quite low Thursday evening, ranging between minus 22 and minus 27.

The coldest point in Canada Thursday morning is being reported in Rabbit Kettle, Northwest Territories at minus 42. Hamilton and Niagara regions are among the few areas in the province not under an alert by Environment Canada. However, a cold weather alert issued by Hamilton Public Health is still in effect for the city.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when the chilly temperatures create an elevated risk to health.

Young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter are at the highest risk of experiencing health risks such as frost bite and hypothermia. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

The weather agency suggests residents watch for cold related symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

If you are planning on heading outside, dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.

Environment Canada cautions that in conditions like this, if it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.