Severe Cold Alert – Extreme Wind Chill Values

THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Residents across Sachigo Lake, Bearskin Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, Sandy Lake, Pikangikum, Wunnummin Lake, Pickle Lake, Red Lake, and Ear Falls are waking up to an Extreme Cold Warning this Saturday morning.

The weather alert, effective as of 5:20 AM EST on January 13, 2024, highlights the perilously low temperatures combined with wind chill factors reaching near minus 45°C. Such severe conditions pose significant risks, especially during the early hours of the day.

Overall across much of Western Ontario, expect increasing cloudiness early this morning. 40 percent chance of flurries late this morning and this afternoon. Wind northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50. High minus 23. Wind chill minus 46 this morning and minus 36 this afternoon. Frostbite in minutes.

Tonight expect snow flurries with winds from the northwest at 30 km/h gusting to 50. Low minus 26. Wind chill near minus 40. Frostbite in minutes.

Health Risks and Precautions in Harsh Cold: This intense cold poses a considerable risk to various groups, including young children, the elderly, those with chronic health issues, outdoor workers, and individuals without adequate shelter.

Key symptoms to watch for in such extreme conditions include shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and a change in skin color, all indicative of cold-related health issues like hypothermia and frostbite. Frostbite, in particular, can develop rapidly on exposed skin under these conditions.

Community members are urged to cover up well when venturing outdoors and to check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives. Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that pets are also at risk; if it’s too cold for humans to stay outside, it’s equally too cold for pets.

Staying Safe in Extreme Cold: Residents in the affected regions should take all necessary precautions to stay warm and safe. This includes dressing in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer, and ensuring that no skin is exposed. It’s also wise to limit outdoor activities and to have an emergency plan and supplies if power outages occur or travel becomes necessary.