With the London region expected to remain in the deep freeze for another night, the Middlesex London Health Unit has extended a cold weather alert.
The alert, which came into effect Saturday, was originally to come to an end on Monday afternoon. But with Environment Canada now forecasting a low of -15 C with a wind chill of -21 C Monday evening, the health unit has made the decision to continue the alert until Tuesday afternoon.
Cold weather alerts are declared when temperatures are expected to drop to -15 C or lower or when Environment Canada advises of wind chill values of -20 C or lower.
Anyone who plans on venturing outside Monday night or early Tuesday is advised to bundle up in layers and limit how long they spend out there. The frigid conditions could lead to frostbite and other cold related illnesses.
Frostbite symptoms include skin turning red, blue, or in later stages, a grey/white colour. Anyone who suspects they have frostbite is advised not to rub the affected area but to warm it by placing it next to warmer skin or immersing it in warm, not hot, water. It can take up to 60 minutes to re-warm the frostbitten area.
The extreme cold also increases the risk of hypothermia, which takes hold when a person’s internal body temperature drops below normal. Symptoms can include pale skin, drowsiness, confusion, and hallucinations. Severe cases can cause a loss of consciousness, shallow breathing, and a hard to detect pulse. Anyone exhibiting these symptoms should be taken for immediate medical treatment.
The City of London will have several warming centres open for those looking to escape the cold. A list of those centres can be found by clicking here.
