Health News For South West


Monday, January 13, 2025
Middlesex-London Health Unit
Health Unit Issues Cold Alert

The Health Unit is issuing its first Cold Weather Alert of 2025 for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 14th, following a chilly start to the year. Bitter windchill values are expected to dip to -21°C in the morning, rising to -16°C by the afternoon across London and Middlesex County.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit issues 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 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 london.ca/warming-centres.

For more information about extreme cold visit www.healthunit.com/extreme-cold.

Media Contact:

Morgan Lobzun
Communications Coordinator
Middlesex-London Health Unit
media@mlhu.on.ca

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