Coldest in a decade: Ontario hit hard as polar vortex arrives
Bundle up! Coldest air in a decade as a weakening polar vortex brings plummeting temperatures to Ontario.
The polar vortex, containing some of the globe's coldest air, is descending into Ontario.
Significant Arctic air will sweep across the province, dropping temperatures 10°C-20°C below seasonal norms by Friday and Saturday.
Lows in Ottawa could reach -28°C to -30°C during this period.
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Coldest in a decade? Notable stats and records to monitor this weekend:
A high of -22°C in Ottawa could be the coldest since January 2014.
Toronto's forecast low of -24°C might be the coldest since February 2016.
A high of -16°C in Toronto could mark the coldest since January 2018.
Sault Ste. Marie could see a -20°C high Friday, the coldest since January 2019.
Dangerous wind chills are expected across Ontario, ranging from -20 to the -30s, with potentially colder values in northern regions.
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Prevent cold weather emergencies:
According to the Canadian Red Cross, it is important for everyone enjoying the outdoors to know how to recognize when someone has been exposed to cold for too long, prevent cold-related emergencies, and be able to provide help when needed.
Tips for prevention include:
Cover your head and trunk by wearing a hat and layers of tightly woven fabrics such as wool or synthetics.
Cover up exposed areas such as your fingers, cheeks, ears, and nose.
If your clothes get wet when you are in the cold, change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Drink plenty of warm fluids to help your body stay warm and hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Eat high calorie food and drinks regularly as the body converts food to energy which heats the body.
Dress in layers so that you can adjust to changes as you heat up or cool off.
Bring additional warm clothing when going out for extended periods or in case of emergency.
Don’t wear tight fitting clothing or footwear that may impair circulation.
Seek shelter from the wind if you are getting cold, even if it is only behind a tree, hill, embankment, or other landscape feature.