Update: The extreme cold warning has ended.
A period of very cold wind chills is expected to continue through the region tonight into Monday morning, with forecasters warning of an elevated risk to health as wind chills approach minus 30.
The impact level is rated as moderate, with high confidence in the forecast. Environment officials say the extreme cold puts everyone at risk, with heightened concerns for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, those working or exercising outdoors, and anyone without proper shelter.
Cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill create an increased risk of health impacts such as frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, particularly when wind chill values are severe.
Residents are advised to dress warmly in layers that can be removed if overheating occurs, with a wind-resistant outer layer. Covering exposed skin is recommended, and people are urged to monitor for colour changes on fingers and toes, pain, numbness, tingling, or swelling, and to move indoors and begin warming if symptoms appear.
Officials also note that if conditions are too cold for people to remain outside safely, they are also too cold for pets. Outdoor workers are encouraged to take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up as the extreme cold persists overnight and into the morning hours.
