Bullet News
NIAGARA – It’s time to break out the parka.
A cold snap has set in across Niagara and much of southern Ontario, promting Niagara Region Public Health to declare an extreme cold weather alert.
Tuesday’s temperature is expected to reach a high of only -13 Celcius and winds reaching 30 km-h will undoubtedly make it feel even colder.
Don’t look for relief anytime soon.
Environment Canada says the low temps will stay with us all week.
Here’s a look at the local forecast:
TUESDAY
Flurries ending this morning then mainly cloudy with 60 percent chance of flurries. Wind west 30 km-h gusting to 50 becoming light this morning. High minus 10.
Tonight – Mainly cloudy. Low minus 18.
WEDNESDAY
Mainly cloudy with 40 percent chance of flurries. High minus 10.
THURSDAY
Sunny. Low minus 17. High minus 13.
FRIDAY
Snow. Low minus 13. High minus 6.
SATURDAY
Sunny. Low minus 15. High minus 7.
SUNDAY
A mix of sun and cloud. Low minus 12. High minus 3.
MONDAY
Cloudy with 40 percent chance of flurries. Low minus 5. High plus 1.
Here is the text of the warning issued by Niagara Region Public Health:
With temperatures at or below -15 C, an Extreme Cold Weather Alert has been called by Niagara Region Public Health.
The Extreme Cold Weather Alert is intended to mobilize outreach workers and community agencies, recommend precautions for the general public during extreme cold weather and offer information on the location of shelters and additional resources.
During extreme cold, those most at risk include infants under one year of age, individuals 65 years of age or older, the homeless, outdoor workers, sport enthusiasts (skiers, ice skaters), people living in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat, and people living in homes without power (usually due to other weather-related events such as a winter storm).
Cold-related injuries can be avoided by following these cold weather safety tips: Cover exposed skin (exposed skin can become frostbitten in 30 seconds).
Wear a hat (up to 40 per cent of body heat loss can occur through the head) Wear gloves or mittens, and a scarf to protect the chin, lips and cheeks.
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends keeping children indoors if the temperature falls below –25 Celsius, or if the wind chill is –28 Celsius or greater Drink warm fluids – but not caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly Wear clothes in layers to include an inner layer, middle layer and outer layer Keep moving.
Limit time sitting – stand up and move around. Take shelter from the wind – this can reduce wind chill exposure Always be alert for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
As a reminder, please check in on neighbours who may be at risk during extreme cold weather.
For more information on when an Extreme Cold Weather Alert is issued or for more precautions, visit www.niagararegion.ca (search: cold alert) or call 905-688-8248 ext. 7269, or toll free at 1-888-505-6074.
