Environment Canada has issued a Durham Region extreme cold warning, as some of the coldest temperatures of the year move into the area.
Bitterly cold conditions began Friday morning and are expected to continue through Saturday, with wind chills making temperatures feel close to -30°C across much of Durham Region. The weather agency warns that these conditions pose serious health and safety risks.
Significant snowfall is also expected, which may lead to hazardous travel conditions. Environment Canada says snow squalls could bring rapidly changing visibility and accumulating snow, particularly in northern Durham, including Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge.
As of Friday morning, snowfall totals had not been confirmed for south Durham, but a snow squall warning remains in effect for northern areas, where 10 to 15 centimetres of snow could fall by Friday evening. Visibility may be reduced to near zero at times.
Environment Canada cautions that extreme cold increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially when combined with strong wind chills.
Residents are advised to watch for cold-related symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness, muscle weakness, and colour changes in fingers or toes.
Officials also remind residents that if conditions are too cold for people to remain outdoors, they are also too dangerous for pets.
