Toronto issues Extreme Cold Weather Alert ahead of deep freeze, heavy snowfall

The City of Toronto has declared an Extreme Cold Weather Alert on Thursday as temperatures plummet in the city.

Toronto’s medical officer of health of issued the alert as temperatures are expected to hit -20°C with windchill. The alert will be in effect until further notice. Temperatures are expected to rise on Sunday.

Toronto forecast/Environment Canada

The alert activates services to keep vulnerable people out of the cold. The City opened warming centres on January 7 and they remain open.

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“Those most at risk of cold-related illness are people experiencing homelessness or those under-housed, those who work outdoors, people with a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory illness, elderly people, infants and young children,” a statement from the City reads.

The City’s four Warming Centres are located at:

• 129 Peter Street
• 5800 Yonge Street
• Exhibition Place, Better Living Centre, 195 Princes’ Boulevard.
• Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive.