The Middlesex-London Health Unit is issuing another Cold Weather Alert for the region, as temperatures and windchill values drop below the Health Unit's thresholds. Environment Canada's forecast currently calls for the low temperature of -17C overnight accompanied by windchill values of -24 tonight and tomorrow morning. This Cold Weather Alert will come into effect this evening and remain in place until midday tomorrow, when temperatures are expected to rise to -10C and the windchill to ease to -13.

The Health Unit issues Cold Weather Alerts when forecast temperatures are expected to drop to -15C or lower, or when Environment Canada advises that windchill values are expected to be -20 or lower.

"The cold winter weather continues in London and Middlesex County so we want to remind everyone of the importance of taking the necessary precautions to prevent cold-related illness and injuries," says David Pavletic, Environmental Health Manager with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. "We continue to advise people to limit time spent outdoors during Cold Weather Alerts, and if you have to be outdoors, to dress appropriately for the conditions and cover exposed skin."

Cold conditions and strong winds can damage exposed skin and lead to frostbite. Symptoms of frostbite include skin turning red, blue or in later stages, grayish-white. Individuals may experience pain, numbness and stiffness, especially in the fingers, toes, ears and nose, which are most susceptible to the cold. If you suspect frostbite, warm the affected area by placing it next to wrmer skin or immerse in warm, but not hot, water. Do not rub the affected area, and seek emergency medical treatment for cases of severe, blistering frostbite. The re-warming process may take up to 60 minutes.

Hypothermia can happen when a person's internal body temperature drops below normal. Symptoms include pale skin, drowsiness, confusion and hallucinations. While individuals may shiver in the early stages of hypothermia, shivering may decrease and body temperature drops. In severe cases, individuals lose consciousness, their breathing becomes shallow and their pulse becomes irregular and hard to detect. Anyone with these symptoms requires emergency medical treatment in order to prevent coma or death.

For a list of warming centres in the City of London, please visit: https://london.ca/warming-centres

Media Contact:

Carolynne Gabriel, Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 extension 2561 or 519-617-0534

Spokesperson:

David Pavletic, Environmental Health Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit