Chilly winter winds are in this evening’s overnight forecast, prompting the Middlesex-London Health Unit to issue its first Cold Weather Alert of the season. The current Environment Canada forecast calls for an overnight low of -15⁰ Celsius with winds gusting between 30 and 50 km/h this evening, leading to windchill values that will drop from -13 this evening to -21 overnight. The Cold Weather Alert will remain in effect until Saturday morning, as windchill values on Friday are expected to reach -22 in the morning and -14 overnight.
“The combination of strong and cold winds, mixed with low overnight temperatures can have an impact on our bodies,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We suggest that people who are going to be spending time outside this evening, or in the overnight hours, ensure they dress for the conditions by wearing layers and covering exposed skin, in order to reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.”
Strong winds may lead to conditions which can cause serious damage to exposed skin, such as 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 happens when a person’s internal body temperature drops below normal. Symptoms can 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.
If you see someone who is outdoors and in distress due to the cold, contact London CAReS at 519-667-2273. If you feel the situation is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
For a list a list of warming centres in the City of London, please visit: http://www.london.ca/residents/Recreation/announcements/Pages/Warming-Centres.aspx.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570
Spokesperson:
Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector, Middlesex-London Health Unit