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Extreme cold weather alert issued Tuesday for Toronto

In a warning issued Tuesday, Environment Canada said temperatures in the area are expected to plunge down to anywhere from -21 C to -27 C, with wind chill values making it feel more like -28 to -33.

Environment Canada says Toronto residents can expect temperatures down to –27 C

Julia Alevato · CBC News ·
Streetcars in downtown Toronto are pictured on Monday Jan. 17, 2022. Environment Canada is warning people to take precautions, with extremely cold weather expected Tuesday heading into Wednesday. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold weather alert for Toronto starting Tuesday night and heading into Wednesday morning.

In a warning issued Tuesday, the weather agency said temperatures in the area are expected to plunge to anywhere from -21 C to -27 C, with wind chill values making it feel more like -28 to -33.

Environment Canada is advising people to dress warmly and cover up. The warning says the risk is greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.

Toronto has opened its three warming centres located at:

  • 129 Peter St.

  • 5800 Yonge St.

  • Exhibition Place, Better Living Centre, 195 Princes' Blvd.

"Extreme cold puts everyone at risk," Environment Canada said.

While the city braces for freezing temperatures, snow clearing efforts after last week's storm are still underway.

By Sunday, crews had removed more than 17 million kilograms of snow from Toronto roads, according to city officials.

Toronto dealt with another blast of snow Monday. A winter weather travel advisory was put into effect, with Environment Canada forecasting a snowfall between five and 10 centimetres.. 

A man digs out a car in The Beach neighbourhood after a significant dump of snow on Jan. 17, 2022. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

Torontonians are still struggling in areas that haven't been cleared more than a week after the big storm.

At a news conference Tuesday, Mayor John Tory said he understands there's some frustration about the snow clearing, but the city is dealing with one of the top five storms in its history.

"I want to take this moment to say thank you to the people that have been doing this work because they have been working 24/7," said Tory.

Tory said people should call 311 if they see particular "hotspots" that still need snow removal, whether it is a sidewalk, a school zone or a bike lane. 

Speaking at the same news conference, Barbara Gray, the head of the city's transportation services division, said she hasn't seen a storm with this amount of snow in quite some time. 

"I agree with the mayor that all those locations need to continue to come into 311. They're getting prioritized and addressed," said Gray.

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