A bitter winter chill is descending on the London and Middlesex County area this weekend, with cold temperatures persisting into next week. Forecast temperatures are expected to be close to the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s threshold for issuing a Cold Weather Alert. The current Environment Canada forecast is calling for plenty of flurries this weekend, with a low of -11C on Saturday, and windchill values as low as -18, followed by an expected low of -14C on Sunday. The Health Unit is reminding those planning to spend time outdoors to take precautions and dress for the weather in order to avoid cold-related injuries.

The cold weather is expected to continue until next week, when the Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures to increase to a daytime high of -9C on Thursday, February 11th.

“The combination of cold weather and strong winds, like those we’ll have over the weekend and next week can have an impact on our bodies; if you don’t dress accordingly, the weather can damage exposed skin and can lead to hypothermia,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Anyone spending time outdoors this weekend, especially in the evening, or in the overnight hours needs to cover exposed skin, putting on gloves and a warm hat, and dressing in layers to reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.”

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.

If you see someone outdoors who is in distress due to the cold, call London CAReS at 519-667-2273. If you feel the situation is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

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

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