Season's first Extreme Cold Weather Alert issued for Toronto today

Don’t let today’s clear skies fool you.

We’re going to be heading into the middle of the work week with some very chilly temperatures.

The City of Toronto has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert for the city that will be in effect until further notice.

According to the City, Extreme Cold Weather Alerts are issued when the temperature is forecast to reach -15ºC or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20ºC or colder.

Environment Canada

Environment Canada has forecasted Toronto is going to have a 40% chance of flurries Wednesday morning, with gusts of winds of up to 50 km/hr.

By Wednesday afternoon, the temperature will dip down to 0ºC, falling t0 -6ºC later in the day, which will feel more like -14ºC with the wind chill.

The weather agency is forecasting a 60% chance of flurries this evening, along with gusts of winds of up to 50 km/hr. The temperature is forecasted to drop to -13ºC, which will feel like -19ºC overnight.

The City asks that residents help vulnerable people by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance. Call 911 if the situation is an emergency.

The City of Toronto is encouraging members of the public to take the following precautions:

• Check the weather report before going outside.
• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.
• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots.
• Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.
• Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton absorbs and holds moisture, no longer keeping the wearer warm.
•  Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
• Drink warm fluids other than alcohol.
• Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it’s windy.
• Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius if infants or elderly people are present.
• Call or visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.

Stay warm out there, Toronto.

See also

• The City of Toronto says it's ready to take on winter weather
• Refugee children reacting to their first snowfall in Canada is everything (VIDEO)
• This Canadian city has already been hit with almost a metre and a half of snow (PHOTOS)