Frigid temps in Ontario prompt first alerts of the winter

Monday, January 4, 2016, 3:00 PM -

Southern Ontario has experienced its coldest day this winter so far, without doubt.

This is the first cold weather alert so far this winter, which may come as a shock to the system after a delayed and very mild start to the season. The month of December in fact, was the warmest December on record with only one day that saw a daytime high below 0ºC.

The good news? The cold isn't expected to last long.

"While temperatures plunge for Monday, it will be temporary as warm air returns for mid-week," Weather Network meteorologist Erin Wenckstern says. "However, don't hang up your parkas just yet. A cold, more prolonged period of below seasonal temperatures look to invade most of Canada mid-January."

On Monday morning, temperatures in the mid-minus-teens were the norm across the region as the day dawned, but with the wind chill making it feel colder than -20. In most places, daytime highs didn't cross the -10^oC threshold.

The drastic drop in temperatures prompted Toronto's medical officer of health to issue an extreme cold weather alert for the city on Sunday, which was still in effect on Monday. In Ottawa, a frostbite advisory was issued, and other cities issued their own versions of extreme cold alerts, although Environment Canada did not take the step of issued extreme cold warnings.

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"Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health," warns the City of Toronto. "Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 35°C and can have severe consequences, including organ failure and death. Frostnip and frostbite can also occur in cold weather when skin freezes."

During an extreme cold weather alert residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.
• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots.
• Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.
• Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton stops keeping you warm once it gets wet.
• Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
• Avoid alcohol as it increases blood flow. You may feel warm even though you are losing body heat.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, especially if it's windy.
• Heat your home to at least 21ºC if babies or elderly people are present.

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