Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Middlesex-London Health Unit
Health Unit Issues Cold Alert Extension
The Health Unit has issued a Cold Alert Extension today, Tuesday, January 21st extending into Wednesday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach -20°C with windchill values expected to drop to a frigid – 32°C overnight, continuing into Wednesday morning with temperatures expected to reach -23°C with a windchill of minus -33°C in the morning. The cold weather alert may potentially extend into Thursday.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit issues Extended Cold Weather Alerts when any of the following conditions are met:
- Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a low temperature of –15°C or lower,
- Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a wind chill of -20°C or lower, or if
- Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a "Cold Alert" or "Cold Warning."
Prepare for extreme cold events every winter - it’s always a possibility in Ontario. There are numerous steps you can take both before and during this type of event:
- Stay in heated buildings as much as possible (your home, friend or family’s place, public buildings such as malls, libraries, etc.).
- Dress appropriately when going outside (multiple layers of loose-fitting clothes, toques, mittens, etc.) and cover up all exposed skin since, in extreme cold, frostbite can occur within minutes.
- Drink warm fluids but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.
- Avoid strenuous exercise while out in the cold as much as possible.
- Know the weather forecast and avoid travelling when extreme weather is predicted.
- Prepare your home and car for winter.
- Seek help if you experience any of the following symptoms of cold illness:
- Hypothermia: Symptoms/signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.
- Frostbite: Symptoms/signs include white/grayish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.
For a list of warming centres in the City of London visit: https://london.ca/warming-centres
For a list of Middlesex County Libraries, where residents can warm up, visit:
https://library.middlesex.ca/Locations.
Media Contact:Kate Clarysse, Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit, media@mlhu.on.caSpokesperson:David Pavletic, Manager, Food Safety & Health Hazards, Middlesex-London Health Unit
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