Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) has once again issued a Cold Weather Alert for Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas as dangerously cold temperatures settle into the region.
Residents can expect overnight lows reaching -24°C, with wind chills making it feel as cold as -25°C. While temperatures are expected to rise slightly on Thursday, February 5th, extreme cold and wind chill conditions are forecast to return Friday night into Saturday.
SWPH advises residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the cold, which can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.
Health officials recommend limiting time outdoors, dressing in warm layers, covering exposed skin, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine while outside. Residents are also encouraged to prepare their homes and vehicles for winter conditions and to seek medical attention if symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia occur.
You are reminded that warming centres are available across the region, offering a safe, heated space for anyone needing temporary relief from the cold.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
