You Thought It Was Cold Last Week – Look at This!

A period of very cold wind chills is expected.

A cold front has crossed northeastern Ontario this morning ushering in colder air. Overnight lows tonight of near minus 30 combined with light to moderate winds will create wind chill values between minus 40 and minus 45.

Extreme Cold Warning in effect for:

• Agawa – Lake Superior Park
• Sault Ste. Marie – St. Joseph Island
• Searchmont – Montreal River Harbour – Batchawana Bay

These extreme wind chills will persist into Monday morning, but will then moderate during the day as temperatures rise.

While anyone who isn’t dressed warmly is at risk in cold weather conditions, some are at greater risk than others for frost bite and hypothermia:
– homeless people
– outdoor workers
– people living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power)
– people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and diseases affecting the blood vessels, people taking certain medications including beta-blockers
– winter sport enthusiasts
– people who consume excess alcohol
– infants and
– seniors.

Wear appropriate clothing.
– Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.
– Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
– Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
– If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.