Extreme cold weather hits southwestern Ont. Here's what you need to know

Health units across southwestern Ontario have issued extreme cold weather alerts, with frigid temperatures expected Monday and into Tuesday. 

Londoners woke up to -13 degrees Celsius on Monday morning, with the wind making it feel more like - 26. 

"Be prepared for very cold conditions," Environment Canada warned. "Temperatures may be colder than those that have been seen the last several years. Remember, frostbite can develop in minutes on exposed skin." 

There will be flurries and blowing snow tonight, with a low of -18 but - 28 with the windchill. 

On Tuesday, the wind will make it feel like -25 in the morning and -30 in the afternoon. There will be a risk of frostbite, Environment Canada warned. 

Wednesday will let up only slightly, with a low of -12. 

People are being told to stay inside as much as possible and to dress appropriately when going outside, including with lots of layers of loose-fitting clothing. 

"Cover up all exposed skin since in extreme cold frostbite can occur within minutes," the Middlesex London Health Unit warned. 

Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling or uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. 

Frostbite symptoms include white or greyish skin that feels firm or waxy and is numb. 

Warming centres are open within London, including: 

• 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.
• Canada Games Aquatic Centre located at 1045 Wonderland Rd N
• Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre is located at 656 Elizabeth Street

It's important to note that any City of London community centre can be used as a warming centre, when open, if Londoners need a reprieve from the cold.

The London Public Library Central Branch will also be available as a warming space during extreme weather alerts:  

• Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

The Central Branch is located at 251 Dundas Street.

Branch library locations are open Tuesday – Saturday. Their hours can be found here. 

Members of London's coordinated informed response, who do outreach with homeless people, will offer refreshments, snacks and warm clothing when needed. The London Cares street outreach team will also help people by conducting health and wellness checks and connecting people to warm places to go.