As extreme cold continues to affect most parts of Ontario, Canada, residents are being warned about dangerous wind chills and ongoing health risks across the region. A level-yellow cold weather warning, issued early Saturday, January 7, says wind chill values of –30 C to –35 C are expected through the morning and afternoon across eastern Ontario.
Environment Canada’s yellow-level cold warnings include Ottawa and stretch from the Belleville area east to the Quebec border and north to around Pembroke. Officials say similar extreme wind chill values are likely to return Sunday night.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” Environment Canada said, noting the dangers are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without proper shelter.
Health officials urge residents to watch for cold-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour changes in fingers and toes.
Authorities recommend dressing warmly in layers, with an outer layer that is wind resistant, and covering exposed skin, as frostbite can develop within minutes in windy conditions.
Residents are encouraged to check on older family members, friends, and neighbours, keep emergency supplies such as blankets and jumper cables in their vehicles, and ensure pets are not left outdoors in extreme cold.
According to Ottawa Public Health, there are four main signs of frostbite:
“Affected areas will look red, white, bluish-white, grayish-yellow, purplish, brown or ashen, depending on the severity of the condition and the person’s usual skin color.”
“Affected areas will become painful.”
“White, waxy-feeling patches will appear. This means skin is dying.”
“Affected areas will then feel numb.”
Environment Canada advises anyone who notices signs of frostbite to get indoors quickly and begin warming.
Environment Canada’s yellow-level cold warnings include Ottawa and stretch from the Belleville area east to the Quebec border and north to around Pembroke. Officials say similar extreme wind chill values are likely to return Sunday night.
Health risks from extreme wind chills
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” Environment Canada said, noting the dangers are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without proper shelter.
Health officials urge residents to watch for cold-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and colour changes in fingers and toes.
How to stay safe in extreme cold
Authorities recommend dressing warmly in layers, with an outer layer that is wind resistant, and covering exposed skin, as frostbite can develop within minutes in windy conditions.
Residents are encouraged to check on older family members, friends, and neighbours, keep emergency supplies such as blankets and jumper cables in their vehicles, and ensure pets are not left outdoors in extreme cold.
Signs of frostbite to watch for
According to Ottawa Public Health, there are four main signs of frostbite:
“Affected areas will look red, white, bluish-white, grayish-yellow, purplish, brown or ashen, depending on the severity of the condition and the person’s usual skin color.”
“Affected areas will become painful.”
“White, waxy-feeling patches will appear. This means skin is dying.”
“Affected areas will then feel numb.”
Environment Canada advises anyone who notices signs of frostbite to get indoors quickly and begin warming.