Bitterly cold temperatures and windchill values are prompting the Middlesex-London Health Unit to issue its second Cold Weather Alert of the week. Environment Canada’s current forecast calls for temperatures to plunge to -25C tonight with a windchill value of -32. While a daytime high of -10C is expected Saturday, the Health Unit’s threshold for an Alert will continue to be exceeded with an expected windchill value of -33 along with an overnight low of -16C. The Alert will remain in effect until Sunday morning when temperatures are expected to rise to -8C.

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.

“At these extremely low temperatures and windchill values, the risk of cold-related illness and injuries like frostbite is very real,” says David Pavletic, Environmental Health Manager with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Please limit the time you spend outdoors over the next couple of days, and if you must be outside, protect yourself by dressing appropriately in multiple layers, covering exposed skin, and drinking warm fluids that are not caffeinated or alcoholic.”

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 warmer 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 as 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, visit: https://london.ca/warming-centres

For more information about extreme cold, visit: https://www.healthunit.com/extreme-cold

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570

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