Residents of Chatham-Kent are being warned to prepare for dangerously cold conditions tonight into early Friday morning as Environment Canada has issued a yellow cold warning for the area.
Environment Canada says frigid temperatures are expected tonight, with wind chill values ranging from minus 30 to minus 35. The warning carries a moderate impact level and high forecast confidence, with the cold expected to persist into the early hours of Friday.
Chatham-Kent Public Health echoed the warning, noting that the extreme cold increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, particularly when wind chills are this severe. Health officials say warning signs include changes in skin colour, such as red, blue or grey-white patches, along with pain, numbness, tingling or swelling, especially in fingers, toes, ears and the nose. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to move indoors and begin warming immediately.
Public health officials also cautioned about the risk of hypothermia, which occurs when body temperature drops below normal. Early symptoms can include shivering, pale skin, lethargy and confusion, while severe cases may involve reduced breathing, an irregular pulse or loss of consciousness and require immediate emergency medical attention.
Residents are advised to dress warmly in layers, limit time outdoors and take extra care to protect pets, as animals are also vulnerable to extreme cold. Officials stressed that if conditions are too cold for people to remain outside comfortably, they are also too cold for pets.
Those without adequate shelter, food or heat are considered particularly at risk. Anyone experiencing homelessness or concerned about someone exposed to the cold can contact the Homeless Response Line at 519-354-6628, which operates around the clock.
Environment Canada encourages residents to continue monitoring weather alerts and forecasts as conditions evolve.
