An Extreme Weather Warning Issued for Mississauga

It. Is. Bone-Chilling. Cold.

Literally.

An extreme cold warning is in effect for Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills, Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon.

A period of “very cold wind chills” is expected, according to the Environment Canada warning issued at 4:27 a.m. Thursday.

You can expect wind chill values of - 30 C or below this morning — they’ll moderate during daytime hours today.

And tonight, wind chills “are expected to be slightly warmer than this morning, however they will still be quite low, with values in the - 22 C to - 27 C range expected.”

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk, according to the federal weather agency.

Here are some not-so-subtle reminders:

• Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.

• Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.

• Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.

• Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

• Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle such as extra blankets and jumper cables.

• If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.

• Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up.

• Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.

(Source: Environment Canada)