THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – It is into the deep freeze for Northwestern Ontario. The entire region is under an Extreme Cold Warning.
Environment Canada has issued the Warning this afternoon.
Extreme Cold Warning in effect for:
- City of Thunder Bay
- Nipigon
- Kenora
- Vermillion Bay – Dryden
- Pickle Lake
- Mishkeegogamang First Nation
- Webiquie
- Washaho Cree Nation – Fort Severn
- Bearskin Lake First Nation
- Ignace
- Atikokan
A prolonged period of very cold wind chills is expected.
Wind chill values will drop to near minus 40 this evening and continue into Sunday morning. Wind chill values will reach the upper thirties Sunday night.
Watch for cold related symptoms and complaints which include:
– Respiratory: shortness of breath, wheezing and cough
– Cardiovascular: chest pain and arrhythmias
– Circulation: colour change of finger and toes, pain, numbness and tickling sensation in extremities
– Muscle: pain, stiffness, swelling, restricted movement, weakness
– Skin: itching, pale.
If you experience these symptoms when exposed to the cold, move indoors and begin warming.
Wear appropriate clothing.
– Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.
– Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
– Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
– If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.
Avoid alcohol.
– Consuming alcohol before you go out in the cold may increase your risk of hypothermia because it increases blood flow to the extremities of the body. You may actually feel warm even though you are losing heat.
