For the second time in less than a week, the Middlesex London Health Unit has issued a Cold Weather Alert.
The alert was issued late Thursday morning, as forecasters predict below freezing temperatures combined with strong winds will make it feel like -20 C during the day and -24 C overnight in London and Middlesex County.
“Our advice remains to limit any time you have to spend outdoors when Cold Weather Alerts are in effect, but that if it is necessary to spend time outdoors, that you dress for the conditions and cover exposed skin to prevent cold-related illness or injuries," said David Pavletic, the health unit's manager of environmental health.
Cold Weather Alerts are issued when temperatures are expected to drop to -15 C or lower or when windchill values are expected to make it feel like -20 C or lower. The London region experienced its first Cold Weather Alert of the year last weekend when temperatures fell to -17 C overnight on Friday and Saturday.
The bone-chilling conditions could lead to cold-related injuries including frostbite, according to the health unit. Symptoms include skin turning red, blue, or in later stages, a grey/white colour. Anyone who suspects they have frostbite is advised not to rub the affected area but to warm it by placing it next to warmer skin or immersing it in warm, not hot, water. It can take up to 60 minutes to re-warm the frostbitten area.
The cold also increases the risk of hypothermia, which takes hold when a person’s internal body temperature drops below normal. Symptoms can include pale skin, drowsiness, confusion, and hallucinations. Severe cases can cause a loss of consciousness, shallow breathing, and a hard to detect pulse. Anyone exhibiting these symptoms should be taken for immediate medical treatment.
A list of warming centres in the City of London can be found by clicking here.
The Cold Weather Alert will remain in effect until midday Friday.
