Things are going to get bitingly cold in the nation’s capital this weekend.Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued an extreme cold weather alert for Ottawa developing tonight and continuing into Saturday morning then developing again Saturday night into Sunday. Extreme cold temperatures could go as low as near minus 40 celsius with the windchill.
Winds are expected to ease off somewhat on Saturday afternoon before increasing again Saturday night.
So if you are headed out to enjoy skating on the canal or other area winter activities, wear extra layers and avoid possible skin exposure.
Here is the statement from ECCC:
Extreme Cold Warning in effect for:
- Ottawa North – Kanata – Orléans
- Ottawa South – Richmond – Metcalfe
Very cold wind chill values developing this evening.
Temperatures are forecast to rapidly fall through the day today. As a result, by this evening, wind chill values near minus 35 are expected to develop.
As temperatures fall even further tonight, even lower wind chill values near minus 40 are possible into early Saturday morning.
After moderating somewhat Saturday afternoon as winds ease, extreme cold wind chill values to minus 35 may return for some areas Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Extreme cold puts everyone at risk.
Watch for cold related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes.
Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.
Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm.
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