Environment Canada issues warning amid bitterly cold temperatures in southern Ontario

Frigid temperatures have prompted extreme cold warnings to be issued. CTV’s Jeff Pickel checks in with warming centres and shelters about recent demand.

Anyone venturing outside on Friday may want to bundle up.

Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Cold Warning for a large portion of southern Ontario, including Waterloo Region, Guelph, Brant County, Wellington County and Perth County, as the wind chill is expected to feel like -30 to -33 degrees Celsius.

On top of the bitterly cold temperatures, wind gusts are expected to reach 50 km/h.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” the warning from Environment Canada said.

“Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes,” the warning continued.

Frostbite and frostnip

Frostbite is a big concern as the temperature drops.

According to Health Canada, when a body is exposed to cold conditions, blood flow to hands, feet, ears and the nose can be severely restricted. The combination of poor circulation and extreme cold can lead to frostbite.

Mild frostbite, which is also known as frostnip, can make skin look yellowish or white, but it will still be soft to the touch.

Severe frostbite can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly. Nerve damage occurs when frostbitten skin becomes discoloured and turns black. The damage can become so severe that feeling is lost in the affected areas and blistering can occur.

Health Canada said frostnip can be treated with passive warming, such as moving to a warm room, or through active warming, such as thawing skin in water that is just above body temperature.

Severe frostbite requires immediate medical attention.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is also possible during extreme cold.

According to Health Canada, it appears in three stages:

In stage one, body temperature drops by one or two degrees Celsius. People start shivering, get goose bumps on their skin and hands may become numb. They may also feel tired or sick to their stomach. Breathing may also be quick and shallow.

In stage two, body temperature drops by two to four degrees Celsius and shivering intensifies. Muscle movement may be uncoordinated, slow and laboured. People in this stage of hypothermia may also be confused, become pale and lips, ears, fingers and toes may turn blue.

Stage three, the most severe stage, happens when body temperature drops below 32 degrees Celsius. Shivering may stop and a person may have trouble speaking, thinking and walking. Amnesia may develop and exposed skin may become blue and puffy. A person’s heart may beat quickly, but their pulse and breathing will decrease. There is a risk of dying in this stage.

Preventing cold-related illnesses

To reduce the risk of cold-related illnesses, Health Canada encourages people to dress appropriately for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics can provide better insulation and there are some fabrics that are designed to keep perspiration away from the body to further reduce risk.

People should also dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer.

It is also important to keep moving to maintain blood flow and body heat.

Finding shelter is of utmost importance during cold conditions.