Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for most of the greater Kawarthas region for Thursday morning (January 20) into Friday morning.
The extreme cold warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, northern Hastings County, and Haliburton County.
Above-freezing temperatures have spread across southern Ontario on Wednesday (January 19), with high temperatures expected to be in the low to mid single digits. Late Wednesday afternoon, a cold front will push through the region, which will cause temperatures to abruptly drop below freezing.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways, and parking lots — especially untreated surfaces where snow has not yet been cleared — may become icy and slippery.
By Thursday morning, cold temperatures in combination with brisk northwest winds will lead to wind chill values between -30°C and -35°C Thursday morning. Wind chill values are expected to moderate through the day Thursday, but may drop to near -30°C Thursday night into Friday morning once again.
Extreme cold puts everyone at risk, but infants, elderly people, people with circulatory problems, and people who are marginally housed are especially vulnerable.
If going outside, dress in layers (including a wind-resistant outer layer). Cover up exposed skin, as frostbite can develop within 10 to 30 minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.
Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.
Remember: if it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.
