Environment Canada has issued yellow-level alerts as Southern Ontario cold weather grips the region, bringing dangerous wind chill values. Residents across the Greater Toronto Area, Windsor, Barrie, Peterborough, Kingston, Ottawa, and Durham Region cities including Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa are advised to prepare for frigid conditions.
Temperatures Thursday night into early Friday morning could feel like -30°C to -35°C in the Toronto area and as low as -33°C to -38°C further north and east. Such extreme cold increases the risk of frostbite on exposed skin within minutes.
Environment Canada warns people to cover up, watch for colour changes, numbness, tingling, or swelling on fingers and toes, and seek warmth immediately if symptoms occur. Residents are also reminded that pets are vulnerable to extreme cold and should be kept indoors.
This Southern Ontario cold blast underscores the need for safety measures across communities as temperatures plunge.
