Dangerous cold snap sweeps southern Ontario with extreme wind chills
A bitter cold snap is sweeping across southern Ontario, prompting Environment Canada to issue yellow-level weather alerts. The warning covers a wide stretch from Windsor to Ottawa, including the Greater Toronto Area and Barrie. Residents are being urged to take precautions as dangerously low wind chills move in.
The freezing conditions are set to hit hardest from Thursday night into early Friday morning. In the Toronto region, wind chills will make it feel as cold as -30 to -35. Further north and east, the chill could drop to between -33 and -38.
Exposed skin risks frostbite in minutes under these conditions. Symptoms include changes in skin colour on fingers and toes, along with pain, numbness, tingling, or swelling. Anyone experiencing these signs should move indoors immediately and begin warming the affected areas.
The alert also extends to pets, as temperatures this low pose risks to animals as well. Authorities remind owners that if it is too cold for humans, it is too cold for pets to stay outside.
The yellow-level cold weather alert remains in effect until conditions improve. Residents are advised to limit outdoor exposure and protect vulnerable individuals and animals. Environment Canada will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as needed.
