For the first time this winter, London-Middlesex, Oxford-Brant, Huron-Perth and Grey-Bruce are under an extreme cold warning.
The warning also extends across most of the rest of southern Ontario, from London and Sarnia in the southwest to Ottawa and Cornwall in the east.
Environment Canada says wind chills between -30 C and -35 C are expected across that area Friday night into Saturday morning.
Winds will make things feel much colder than normal through the day Saturday, with wind chill values again dropping below -30 C on Saturday night.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as with frost bite and hypothermia.
Cold weather alerts issued
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) and Oxford County Public Health have both issued cold weather alerts as the frigid temperatures sweep into the region.
It is the second cold weather alert this year for the MLHU, and comes into effect Friday night, and remains until Sunday morning.
Randy Walker, public health inspector with the MLHU, said in a statement, “Winter has been relatively mild so far, so we may have become a little complacent about the cold and aren’t taking the health risks that winter presents as seriously as we should.”
People are reminded to limit time outdoors, but if you are going out, dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
Anyone who would like to help the most vulnerable in London can drop off donations of non-perishable foods, blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing to the Men’s Mission and Rehabilitation Centre at 459 York St., The Salvation Army Centre of Hope at 281 Wellington St. or the Unity Project at 717 Dundas St.
Information on emergency shelters can be found by calling 211 or visiting 211ontario.ca.
