Extreme cold warnings in effect for many southern Ontario cities and towns

It could feel like -30 C with wind chills in parts of southern Ontario today and tomorrow.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Ontario cities and towns including Hamilton, Caledon, Halton Hills, Milton and Orangeville.

With the wind chill, the temperature could plunge to near -30 C values, according to the warning.

Brampton, Mississauga, Burlington and Oakville are not part of the warning but the forecast is predicting a drop to as low as -25 C with the wind chill on Wednesday morning.

The bitter blast of cold is expected to move in tonight (Jan. 16) and Wednesday morning, the warning states.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill create an elevated health risk such as frostbite and hypothermia, Environment and Climate Change Canada says.

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“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” the warning states. “Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.”

People should watch for cold-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

“Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill,” Environment Canada warns.

The same health concerns are true for pets.

“If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.”

Environment Canada also suggests people keep emergency supplies in their vehicles such as extra blankets and jumper cables.

In addition to the cold, areas to the east and north of the GTA have winter weather travel advisories for snowfall amounts of to five to 10 centimetres.

Significant Weather Outlook for Wednesday 👇

❄️ 🌬️ Snow squalls continue off ALL the Great Lakes.
🥶 Extreme cold for parts of southwestern ON ➕ the Golden Horseshoe.#ONStorm #ONwx pic.twitter.com/frmhj1pxTY

— ECCC Weather Ontario (@ECCCWeatherON) January 16, 2024

Photo: Margerretta