Londoners are getting a blast of cold weather to kick off the new year and a cold weather alert has been issued for the region.
Environment Canada predicts a high of -9 C, but with a windchill it could feel more like -19 C on Monday.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) issed the first cold weather alert of the year starting Monday night, with overnight temperatures expected to drop below the -15 C threshold (or -20 C with the wind chill).
Randy Walker, public health inspector with the MLHU, said in a statement, "“Our concern is for those who will be spending any length of time outdoors tonight; that includes our most vulnerable citizens who may not have adequate shelter and those who may be working or spending time outside.”
The alert continues until 8 a.m. Tuesday, when temperatures are expected to rise again.
Details on warming centres in the area can be found on the City of London website.
Toronto and Hamilton have also issued cold weather alerts, with public health officials in both cities note that cold weather has the greatest effect on the homeless, the elderly, young children and infants.
They recommend staying indoors, drinking warm fluids and avoiding alcohol, which can trick the body into thinking it's warmer than it is.
Almost time to hit the slopes
The cold spell has meant that Boler Mountain is now expected to be open to skiers at 4 p.m. on Wednesday - with hopes for a busy weekend ahead.
Crews were busy Monday getting the hills ready, and snow cannons and snow-making machines have been running day and night.
The opening will mark the second latest start date ever, with the latest on Jan. 18, 2007.
The prolonged closure has translated into a roughly $300,000 loss - in part due to being closed over the Christmas break.
With files from The Canadian Press
