‘Extreme cold’: Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area could see -30 wind chills

Multiple warming centres in Toronto have additional capacity to support community members who need relief from the cold.

Several parts of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area could see wind chills that will feel like -30 Monday morning.

On Sunday afternoon, Environment Canada issued a “yellow warning – cold” for Caledon, the City of Hamilton, Halton Hills – Milton, Mississauga – Brampton, Newmarket - Georgina - Northern York Region, Pickering - Oshawa - Southern Durham Region, Uxbridge - Beaverton - Northern Durham Region, and Vaughan - Richmond Hill - Markham.

The national weather agency is warning of a period of very cold wind chills for those areas, with wind chill values ranging from -25 to -30.

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter,” said Environment Canada, which is urging people to cover up as frostbite “can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.”

“If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside. Keep moving to maintain your body heat and seek shelter from the wind.”

Extra warming centres open in Toronto

And while a weather alert has not been issued at this time for the City of Toronto, the wind chill overnight in the city could reach -18, according to Environment Canada.

Due to the extreme cold temperature, the city opened two additional warming centres, at Cecil Community Centre, 58 Cecil St., and Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, 870 Queen St. E., at 5 p.m. to help vulnerable people get out of the cold.

Toronto’s five other previously opened warming centres remain open.