Environment Canada has issued a Extreme Cold Alert at 4:11 PM, February 14 and right through until Monday morning February 16, 2015.
A prolonged period of very cold wind chills is expected.
Bitterly cold arctic air will be ushered in by stiff northerly winds tonight and Sunday. As a result, wind chills will easily reach minus 40 to minus 35 tonight through Sunday then into Sunday night.
People outdoors should exercise extreme caution. Frostbite on exposed skin may occur in just a few minutes.
While anyone who isn't dressed warmly is at risk in cold weather conditions, some are at greater risk than others for frost bite and hypothermia:
- homeless people
- outdoor workers
- people living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power)
- people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and diseases affecting the blood vessels, people taking certain medications including beta-blockers
- winter sport enthusiasts
- people who consume excess alcohol
- infants and
- seniors.
Wear appropriate clothing.
- Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.
- Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
- Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
- If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.
Avoid alcohol.
- Consuming alcohol before you go out in the cold may increase your risk of hypothermia because it increases blood flow to the extremities of the body. You may actually feel warm even though you are losing heat.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.
Environment Canada meteorologists will update alerts as required, so stay tuned to your local media or Weatheradio. Email reports of severe weather to [email protected] or tweet with the hashtag #ONStorm.
Original Post: Saturday February 14, 2015
Welcome to the deep freeze, as Environment Canada issued at another weather statement this morning. Blistering cold Arctic will push it's way into Oakville later today.
Here is Environment Canada Weather Statement issued at 5:18 AM EST, Saturday 14 February 2015:
A sharp Arctic cold front will blast across Southern Ontario today, bringing the snow to an end. In its wake, strong and gusty northerly winds will once again usher in fresh Arctic air, with temperatures falling this afternoon and tonight likely to near minus 20 or below by Sunday morning. There is a chance wind chills will reach warning levels across the regions tonight, and extreme cold warnings may be issued later today as a result.
The lake effect snow machine is also expected to get into gear again today over areas near Lake Huron. Snow squalls are likely from Southern Bruce County and Huron County through Middlesex into Lambton counties this afternoon and tonight. Dangerous winter driving conditions are quite possible in the snow squalls as a result. Snow squall watches are in effect for these regions. The snow squalls are expected to weaken Sunday afternoon.
Sunday looks to be a windy and bitterly cold day, with temperatures struggling to get above minus 18 in many areas. Strong and gusty northerly winds combining with the very low temperatures will likely result in extreme wind chills. Sunday into Sunday night may be the coldest day and night of the season so far for many regions.
After what looks to be a frigid start on Family Day, February 16, 2015, temperatures should slowly moderate upward as a high pressure ridge finally cuts off the frigid northerly flow.
Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.
During these extremely cold days young children, seniors, and the infirm are particularly susceptible. Frost bite and hypothermia are real and dangerous threats. Your pets are also at risk, so keep their outside time to a minimum.
Over the next 24 to 48 hours please take a moment to check up on your elderly neighbours and friends. Stock up on essentials, and ensure that your car has a emergency survival kit along with a full tank. If you need to get out, community centres and libraries are open. You can also catch a movie at our local movie theatre, or go for a stroll and a coffee at the mall.