Extreme Cold Alert issued for Oakville: Friday, February 12, 2016

Break out the down parkas, winter boots, gloves, mittens, and scarves, Oakville is in for a very very cold weekend. Considering the winter we've had, one extreme cold weather warning isn't too bad. 

Here is the alert that was issued by Environment Canada for Oakville at 10:43 AM on Friday, February 12, 2016:

A period of very cold wind chills is expected.

A cold front will pass through the regions tonight. Very cold temperatures will follow in its wake, along with gusty northwest winds.

Very cold wind chill values between about minus 30 and minus 35 are expected overnight and Saturday morning. Wind chill conditions will improve only marginally on Saturday afternoon, then fall below minus 30 again on Saturday night in most locales. Some improvement is expected on Sunday.

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:

1. homeless people
2. outdoor workers
3. people living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power)
4. people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and diseases affecting the blood vessels, people taking certain medications including beta-blockers
5. winter sport enthusiasts
6. people who consume excess alcohol
7. infants and
8. seniors.

Wear appropriate clothing.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
4. If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.