Ahead of what is expected to be a bitter cold weekend, the Middlesex London Health Unit has issued a Cold Weather Alert.
Overnight temperatures will plunge to -17 C Saturday night and -21 C on Sunday night. That has local health officials reminding anyone spending time outdoors to bundle up by dressing in layers and wearing a hat and insulated gloves or mittens.
“Temperatures like those we’ll see over the weekend can have an impact on our bodies; the weather can damage exposed skin and can lead to hypothermia if you aren’t dressed accordingly,” said Randy Walker, a public health inspector with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Being aware of local weather forecasts and dressing for the conditions by covering exposed skin... are important steps in reducing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.”
Hypothermia takes hold when a person’s internal body temperature drops below normal, according to the health unit. Symptoms can include pale skin, drowsiness, confusion, and hallucinations. Severe cases can cause a loss of consciousness, shallow breathing, and a hard to detect a pulse. Anyone exhibiting these symptoms should be taken for immediate medical treatment.
Skin overexposed to the cold is also at risk of frostbite when the temperature drops below the freezing mark. Symptoms include skin turning red, blue, or in later stages, a grey/white colour.
"If you suspect frostbite, warm the affected area by placing it next to warmer skin or immerse in warm, but not hot, water. Do not rub the affected area, and seek emergency medical treatment for cases of severe, blistering frostbite. The re-warming process may take up to 60 minutes," the health unit advised in a news release issued Friday.
Health officials are also advising agencies that assist London’s homeless population to prepare for an increase in demand for services. Anyone who spots someone who is outdoors and in distress due to the cold is urged to call London CAReS at 519-667-2273 or 9-1-1 if it is a medical emergency.
A list of warming centres in the City of London can be found by clicking here.
The bone-chilling arctic air comes as the region is forecast to be scraped by the northern fringe of a winter storm from the American southwest. A special weather statement issued by Environment Canada for southwestern Ontario states snow will start to fly Friday night and continue into Saturday evening. Areas closer to Lake Erie will see snowfall amounts ranging from 10-15 centimetres, while closer to London and north of Highway 7 are in line for 2-5 centimetres.
The Cold Weather Alert is expected to remain in place until Monday, when temperatures are expected to rise slightly to a daytime high of -11 C.