Photo credit: Toronto Star
Toronto’s cold snap continues with bitter temperatures overnight Saturday into Sunday prompting an extended warning from Environment Canada.
Toronto Star reports that Sunday was expected to begin with a low of -18 C, feeling like nearly -25 with wind chill, the weather agency said in a yellow warning for the city. Afternoon temperatures were expected to feel like -14 C and then drop at night to -22 C with the wind.
A yellow warning means that weather is expected to be hazardous, with moderate, local or short term impacts.
The wind chill poses a frostbite risk, the agency warned.
A combination of previous snowstorms and cold fronts settling in from the Arctic regions are causing the low temperatures, said Environmental Canada meteorologist Mitchell Meredith.
While the cold’s duration and temperature lows are more extreme than last year, this iis “not that unusual” compared to 10 to 20 years back, Meredith added.
Monday”s temperatures are forecasted to reach a high of -4 C on Tuesday, with cloudy skies and a 40 percent chance of flurries. Cloudy periods should continue into Tuesday evening, with a low of -13 C.
There’s a chance of more flurries later in the week, along with a mix of sun and clouds, Environmental Canada said.
The slightly higher temperatures won’t last long, according to Meredith. Another cold front is expected next Saturday morning.
When wind chill temperatures are between -10 and -27, there is a risk of frostbite and hypothermia if people are outside too long, according to the city’s website.
Residents should dress in warm layers of clothing, with hats, mittens, gloves and a scarf, according to the city. Wool, silk,and polypropylene are the best materials because they hold more body heat.
Residents should also check on family, friends and neighbours, especially if they are seniors who live by themselves.
Warming centres, surge sites and additional shelter spaces are still open across Toronto, the city said. It has also extended the hours for daytime drop-ins.
The warming centres offering resting places, meals, washrooms, and referral to emergency centres include:
X 58, Cecil St.
X 81 Elizabeth St.
X 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd.
X 149, George St.
X 12 Holmes Ave.
