The city’s Medical Officer of Health has issued an extreme cold weather alert for Toronto.
This is due to Environment Canada’s announcement that temperatures are expected to be between -6 C and -16 C for this Thursday. With wind chill and snow flurries, it’s likely to feel as cold as -20 C.
Temperatures will remain below the freezing mark well into next week.
The city typically issues extreme cold weather alerts when the forecasted temperature reaches -15 C or lower, or when wind chill hits the -20 C mark.
As a result, drop-in shelters are now open in the city. One can be found at Margaret’s Toronto East Drop-in at Dundas and Sherbourne St. The second is located at St. Felix Centre on Augusta Ave., near Queen St. W and Spadina Ave.
The alert will be in effect until it is repealed by the city.
To stay safe, the city recommends the following steps:
- Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
- Stay dry to lower your risk of hypothermia.
- Heat your home to at least 21 C if infants or seniors are present.
- Drink warm fluids regularly.
- Seek shelter if you regularly spend long periods outside. Exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
- Call or visit at-risk friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are taken care of.