In addition to the cold weather alert issued by the Middlesex-London Health Unit, an extreme cold warning has been issued by Environment Canada.
Temperatures in the London area have dipped to the -20 C mark, feeling more like -35 with the wind chill.
Environment Canada says those cold temperatures will remain there until at least Saturday, when it's supposed to warm up to about -3 C.
But the cold weather alert issued by the health unit on Tuesday - the sixth this year - continues until Monday and could be extended again.
Iqbal Kalsi, manager of environmental health, says, “While a lot of residents are getting the message about dressing for the conditions and covering exposed skin, many people are still not taking the necessary precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.”
Frostbite can occur in minutes, and be very painful, and some are more susceptible to the cold than others. Hypothermia can be fatal.
Organizations that help people in need are also running low on toques, mittens, scarves and other warm essentials.
Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Centre of Hope, the Men's Mission, Unity Project or My Sister's Place.
