Cold weather alert issued as temperatures expected to plunge overnight
The City of London has warming centres open during cold weather alerts
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has issued its first cold weather alert of the year in response to bitter windchill values that are expected to arrive in the region early Friday morning.
Temperatures are expected to fall to -14 C, mixed with winds gusting up to 50 km/h, will see the cold weather alert come into effect just after 12 a.m. Friday. Windchill values are expected to plunge to -23 C by midday Friday, and the alert will remain in effect until values are above the health unit's threshold of -20 C.
Cold weather alerts are issued when temperatures are expected to drop below -15 C or when windchill values lower than -20 are forecasted.
"With a milder winter season so far, these drastic changes in temperature can take a negative toll on our bodies and our health if we aren't properly protected," said David Pavletic, manager of food safety and healthy environments with the MLHU.
The Health Unit is advising people to limit time spent outdoors, and to dress appropriately.
During cold weather alerts, the City of London has dedicated warming centres open at the following locations:
- East Lions Community Centre, located at 1731 Churchill Avenue
- North London Optimist Community Centre, located at 1345 Cheapside Street.
- South London Community Centre, located at 1119 Jalna Boulevard.
Additionally, any City of London community centre or library location can be used as a warming centre during operating hours.