Toronto’s medical officer of health has issued another extreme cold weather alert for the city ahead of frigid overnight temperatures that could feel like – 23 with the wind chill.

The alert was issued by Dr. Eileen de Villa shortly after 7:30 a.m. and will remain in effect until further notice.

The extreme cold weather alert triggers a number of additional cold-weather services, including the opening of a warming centre at Metro Hall by 7 p.m., additional overnight street outreach and the availability of TTC tokens at some drop-in sites and shelters.

“Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health,” de Villa wrote in a news release. “Those most at risk of cold-related illness are people experiencing homelessness or those under-housed, those who work outdoors, people with a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory illness, elderly people, infants and young children.”

The issuance of the alert comes at the beginning of a prolonged cold snap in Toronto.

While the day began with a temperature of – 4 C, Environment Canada says that it will get progressively colder throughout the day. The weather agency says that the temperature will dip to – 8 C by later this afternoon before plummeting to – 15 C overnight with the wind chill making it feel closer to – 23.

There was also the possibility for brief periods of heavy snow and blowing snow in the afternoon, Environment Canada said.

Though significant accumulations were not expected, Environment Canada issued a winter weather travel advisory for Toronto and parts of the GTA due to the potential for “reduced visibilities.”

“Motorists are advised to exercise caution as visibilities may suddenly be reduced,” the advisory says.

The advisory ended around 3 p.m.

More cold on the way

This marks the 10th day that Toronto has been under an extreme cold weather alert since November and this particular alert could remain in effect for some time.

Environment Canada is forecasting daytime highs of – 9 C on Saturday, - 8 C on Sunday, - 9 C on Monday, - 8 C on Tuesday, - 12 C on Wednesday and – 11 C on Thursday.

Complicating matters further, CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said that the city could also see 10 to 15 centimetres of snow beginning late Monday night.