Almost the entire provinces of Ontario and Quebec are under an extreme cold warning as wind chill values are expected to plunge to -30 C or lower on Wednesday.
Environment Canada says a cold front and strong northerly winds will sweep across the region this afternoon and evening.
The national weather agency issues extreme cold warnings when there is a severe risk of weather-related health ailments such as frost bite and hypothermia.
Toronto's Chief Medical Officer issued an extreme cold weather alert just before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. In a news release, Dr. David McKeown said hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature falls below 35 C and can lead to severe consequences such as organ failure and even death.
The city has opened the following warming centres for the public to take shelter in:
- Margaret’s Toronto East Drop-in at 323 Dundas St. E. (just east of Sherbourne Street). Pets are welcome.
- St. Felix Social Ministries Outreach at 25 Augusta Ave. (a block north of Queen Street). Pets are welcome.
- YMCA of Greater Toronto at 7 Vanauley St. (near Queen Street and Spadina Avenue) – for youth aged 16 to 24 only.
The city is encouraging residents to check on their neighbours, relatives and friends to ensure they are not experiencing weather-related difficulties.
Homeless people, outdoor workers, infants, seniors and people who consume excess alcohol are especially vulnerable to the cold. Environment Canada and the City of Toronto are advising people to dress in layers, wear wool, avoid cotton and to change into dry clothing as quickly as possible if one’s clothes get wet.
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