Cold weather alert issued for London and surrounding area

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is warning Londoners to dress warm if they're planning to head outside early Friday morning, as temperatures dip before the long weekend.

With an overnight low of -12 C, wind chill values are expected to feel like -20 in the morning and rise to -11 by the afternoon, according to the forecast from Environment Canada.  

Health units issue cold weather alerts when temperatures are -15 C or lower, wind chill is -20 C or lower, or if Environment Canada also issues a cold alert.

The health unit encourages people to stay in heated buildings as much as possible or dress in multiple layers of clothing if going outside, covering up all exposed skin. The MLHU also recommends drinking warm fluids, avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise, and preparing their cars for the cold weather.

People are encouraged to seek immediate help if they experience symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. Frostbite symptoms include white or gray skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy and numbness.

Warming centres open

The City of London opens warming centres when the health unit issues a cold weather alert. A full list of locations is on the city's website, but some include:

• East Lions Community Centre
• North London Optimist Community Centre
• South London Community Centre
• Canada Games Aquatic Centre
• Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre

The London Public Library's central branch downtown will also be available as a warming space.