Cold temperatures and bitter winter winds will accompany the flurries and snow squalls that are expected for the London and Middlesex County region today. Forecast overnight temperatures and windchill values for the next two days are expected to reach the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s thresholds for issuing a Cold Weather Alert. The current Environment Canada forecast calls for windchill values as low as -18 accompanied by plenty of flurries and gusting winds. Overnight, we expect a low of -19C with windchill values as low as -23. While daytime temperatures on Wednesday are expected to reach a high of -6C, the Cold Weather Alert will remain in place, as windchill values are predicted to be as low as -26 in the morning. The Alert is expected to remain in place until Wednesday afternoon, when the Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures of -6C and windchill values of -8.

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.

“Extreme temperatures and windchill values like those we’ll see in the next 24 hours can take a toll on our bodies,” says Randy Walker, Public Health Inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Anyone spending time outdoors especially in the evening, or overnight needs to dress accordingly in order to reduce cold-related injuries such as hypothermia or frostbite. Cover exposed skin, wear gloves and a warm hat, and dress in layers.”

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 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