Extreme cold warning in effect for Mississauga, Brampton and Milton

Environment Canada is warning residents in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Milton and Halton Hills to be careful tonight and overnight as temperatures are expected to dip into potentially dangerous territory.

The national weather agency issued an Extreme Cold Warning for those areas just after 3 p.m. today, noting that a period of “very cold wind chills is expected” tonight into tomorrow morning.

Environment Canada says temperatures as low as minus 21 to 27 Celsius are expected, with wind chills dropping the real feel to minus 28 to 33 degrees below freezing.

Weather experts say bitterly cold arctic air is settling over the region once again, and that extreme cold puts everyone at risk.

“Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors and those without proper shelter,” Environment Canada said in its warning. “Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant. Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.”

Officials also remind people that if it’s too cold outside for them, it’s also too cold for family pets. Dogs and cats and other pets should be kept indoors during such extreme cold.

UPDATE: The extreme cold weather warning has ended.