Spring-like weather may be in the forecast today but winter is expected to make a swift return tonight.

The city’s medical officer of health has issued an extreme cold weather alert for Toronto ahead of a big temperature drop overnight.

Environment Canada is calling for a high of 12 C on Tuesday but says the temperature will dip to a low of -12 C overnight.

When an extreme cold weather alert is issued, the city offers several additional cold-weather related services and adds extra shelter spaces for the homeless.

The city also offers the following 24-hour cold weather drop-ins:

• Margaret's Toronto East Drop-in Centre (323 Dundas St. East) is open 24/7 until April 15

• St. Felix Centre (25 Augusta Ave) offers 24/7 services starting at 3 p.m. on the day an alert is called and ends by noon on the day the alert is terminated.

The city offers the following during an extreme cold weather alert:

  • Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.
  • Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots.
  • Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.
  • Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton stops keeping you warm once it gets wet.
  • Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
  • Drink warm fluids, other than alcohol.
  • Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.
  • Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it's windy.
  • Heat your home to at least 21ºC if infants or elderly people are present.
  • Call or visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.

A high of -3 C is in the forecast for Toronto tomorrow and warmer temperatures are expected to return this weekend.

Environment Canada says Toronto will see a high of 9 C on Friday, 8 C on Saturday and 4 C on Sunday.