Get your long johns ready, Toronto: extreme cold is expected to make its way into the region later today.
According to Environment Canada, temperatures are going to hover above 1°C, which will feel like -15°C with the windchill this afternoon. This will be accompanied by periods of snow, which should amount to 2 cm. Doesn't seem so bad, right? Well, think again.
By this evening, it's going to get extremely cold in the city with temperatures forecast to plunge to -19°C, or -27°C with the windchill overnight.
The frigid temperatures will also be accompanied by gusts of wind with speeds of up to 40 km/h.
READ: Toronto Could See Coldest Temperatures of the Year Over Family Day Weekend
As we head into the long weekend, temperatures will remain cold, with a high of -8°C and a low of -12°C expected on Friday. However, on Saturday, it looks like the sun will return, bringing some milder temperatures with it, with a high of -2°C expected.
Environment Canada
If you plan on leaving your home this evening, make sure to bundle up in layers and stay warm.
The City has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, as it does whenever temperatures are expected to reach -15° C or colder, or a wind chill of -20° C or colder. During periods of extreme cold weather, the City encourages residents to:
Check on Family, Friends & Neighbours
- During extreme cold weather conditions, please visit vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated seniors.
Other groups at risk include:
- people with pre-existing heart conditions or chronic respiratory illness
- infants and young children
- people on certain medications
- people who work or do physical activities outside for extended periods
- people who are marginally housed or homeless
Dress in Layers and Cover Exposed Skin
- Cover as much exposed skin as possible. Frostbite can develop over a relatively short period of time during periods of extreme cold.
- Wear waterproof and windproof outer layers.
- Wear a hat.
- Choose warm mittens instead of gloves.
- Wear warm, waterproof boots.
- Choose wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing, these materials hold more body heat than cotton.
READ: 12 Fun Activities to Enjoy in Toronto on Family Day
Stay Dry
- Avoid wearing wet clothing, as you are more likely to develop hypothermia if you are cold and wet.
- Change into dry clothing as soon as possible if you get wet from precipitation, sweat or submersion in water.
Take Care When Outdoors
- Check the weather report before going outside.
- Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings such as libraries and malls.
- Reschedule outdoor activities and limit time outdoors if severe weather is forecast.
Stay Active and Safe
- Wear comfortable winter boots with a wide and low heel.
- Wear bright-coloured clothing in snowy weather.
- Notify friends or family where you will be when going on outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing.
