Durham Region Health Department has issued an Extreme Cold Weather alert.
According to Environment Canada, mercury slid to -19°C last night and today will not be much better with temperatures ranging from -8°C to -16°C. With wind chill it will feel like -22°C.
Durham Police also warned drivers to be careful on the roads. “Roads are still snow covered to the north – many people will be travelling this week please take precautions while driving,” it said.
During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, community members are encouraged to take the following precautions:
- Check on vulnerable friends, neighbours, family and pets to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.
- Durham Region outreach staff actively patrol the city to refer individuals without shelter or in need of services to resources in the community. If you see or know someone in need of immediate emergency shelter call 9-1-1 or visit the Region of Durham’s Emergency Shelters webpage.
- Check the weather forecast before going outside and reconsider rescheduling outdoors activities or limiting time outdoors during colder temperatures. If you do go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin and stay dry.
- Frequently warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings.
- Heat your home to at least 21 degrees.
The Region issues Extreme Cold Weather Alerts when the temperature is forecast to reach -15 degrees Celsius or colder, and/or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 degrees Celsius or colder, and when weather conditions are severe enough to warrant alerting the community to the risks involved with prolonged exposure.
Residents are encouraged to check alerts and forecasts on the Environment Canada website.