Photo credit: CTV News
The GTA is expected to face a frigid week with some of the coldest temperatures recorded in the last few years possible over the next few days.
CP24 reports that temperatures are expected to dip well below -10 C on Monday night but feel as cold as -26 with the wind chill.
The extreme cold will continue Tuesday and Wednesday with daytime highs of -12 C and -9 C, respectively. The wind chill will, however, make the temperature feel closer to the 20s on both days.
The weather system that has brought these arctic temperatures to the GTA is being referred to by some as a “polar vortex” but CP24 Metrologist Bill Coulter says the term doesn’t fully capture the weather we are seeing.
He says that a “polar vortex” is a circulation of strong westerly winds and arctic air that some high up in the atmosphere, usually 15 to 50 kilometres above the North and South poles. When the circulation weakens the weather system can spread or split in two which then allows the colder air to travel closer to the surface and further south, according to Coulder.
There is a heightened risk of burst pipes whenever temperatures plunge.
Rob de Pruis, the National Director of Commerce and Industry Relations with the Insurance Bureau of Canada said, “If you do have water damage that’s happening, that can impact many floors beneath you as well. Make sure that someone has access to your property in the event that there is some type of an issue and make sure that people know how to get a hold of that person.”
It is also more common for water mains to break during the winter due to the low temperatures. The city says this extreme cold can cause soil to freeze and expand, resulting in frost loading or force on the water main.
The city advises residents to call 311 where staff can attend to their calls at all hours to report a water main break. repairs can take up to 24 hours or longer, depending on the severity of the break, the city says on their website.
Driving can be dangerous especially if your vehicle is not properly equipped for the weather. Experts have advised that you should make sure to check the vehicle battery condition, terminals, washer fluid levels and windshield wipers as well as the coolant system, signals, and lights. They also advised that you should keep an eye out for problems due to low pressure or tire wear, and switch to snow tires for extra traction during snowy weather.
When the temps drop below 0 C and your body is exposed to the cold for a long period of time blood flow to your extremities can get severely restricted, leading to frostbite.
Environment Canada recommends dressing in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer, warm socks, gloves, hats and scarves during the cold weather.
The City has opened five of its warming centres amid extreme cold. The centres will be open 24 hours a day until further notice.
They are located at:
X 136 Spadina Road
X 61 Elizabeth Street
X 12 Holmes Avenue
X Metro Hall, 55 John Street
X 88 Scarborough Golf Club Road
