Bitterly cold winds sweep through Southern Ontario

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for parts of Southern Ontario as bitterly cold winds are expected to sweep through Friday morning.

The weather agency suggests residents keep emergency supplies in your vehicles such as extra blankets and jumper cables. It is also advising pet owners 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.

BRRR 🥶 It's going to feel like -30 today in the GTHA. Coldest morning of the winter so far. It ALSO happens to be Winter Bike to Work Day in #HamOnt! We're going to Gore Park to talk to brave cyclists. @morninglive

— Sylvie Lendvay (@sylvie_lendvay) February 14, 2020

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

Halton Hills, Caledon, and Milton will experience wind chills near minus 30 C but temperatures are expected to rise later this morning.

Health officials say exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. They say wind always makes it feel colder and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. During extremely cold weather conditions, residents are reminded to call, visit, or check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours.

Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health also issued a cold weather alert Thursday night. An alert is issued when current or anticipated weather conditions are at or below minus 15 degrees Celsius or minus 20 with wind chill.

The alert will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.