Cold temperatures and bitter winds have prompted the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) to issue a Cold Weather Alert for the area.
After a wicked winter storm that left nearly 25 cm of snow on the ground, Environment Canada is now forecasting subfreezing temperatures with gusting winds for Tuesday night.
The current Environment Canada forecast calls for windchill values as low as -18C with plenty of flurries and gusting winds. Overnight, London is expected to see a low of -19C with windchill values as low as -23.
While daytime temperatures on Wednesday are expected to reach a high of -6C, the Cold Weather Alert will remain in place, as windchill values are predicted to be as low as -26 in the morning.
The Alert is expected to remain in place until Wednesday afternoon, when the Environment Canada forecast calls for temperatures of -6C and windchill values of -8.
The Health Unit is reminding those planning to spend time outdoors to take precautions and dress for the weather in order to avoid cold-related injuries.
“Extreme temperatures and windchill values like those we’ll see in the next 24 hours can take a toll on our bodies,” said MLHU Public Health Inspector, Randy Walker. “Anyone spending time outdoors especially in the evening, or overnight needs to dress accordingly in order to reduce cold-related injuries such as hypothermia or frostbite. Cover exposed skin, wear gloves and a warm hat, and dress in layers.”
Walker added that prolonged exposure to skin can lead to frost bite or even hypothermia. He urged Londoners to check on the most vulnerable during the cold weather, and stay indoors whenever possible.
In response to the cold temperatures, the City of London has converted the South London Community Centre at 1119 Jalna Blvd. into a warming centre for the city’s most vulnerable.
For more information on cold weather safety visit the MLHU website.
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