The London region of Southwestern Ontario is facing an intense cold spell as an arctic air mass sweeps through. Cold weather warnings have been issued by Environment Canada, urging residents to stay warm and safe.
Cold Warnings for Southwestern Ontario
On Friday afternoon, Environment Canada placed the area under yellow cold weather warnings. These warnings indicate that severe cold conditions are likely to persist into Saturday morning. Wind chill values are expected to reach around -28 °C during the day on Friday, dropping to approximately -32 °C overnight.
This dramatic temperature drop reflects a pattern not seen since February 2023, according to meteorologist Eric Tomlinson. He stated, “This is a cold air mass that we haven’t seen in a couple of winters.” Most of southern Ontario is currently under yellow cold warnings.
Impact of the Polar Vortex
The current cold front is associated with shifts in the polar vortex, a persistent feature affecting weather patterns throughout the year. The colder air has moved southward, impacting the region this weekend.
Extended Cold and Health Alerts
The Middlesex-London Health Unit has extended an extreme cold alert through Sunday. Cold temperatures and high wind chill values pose risks to residents, especially vulnerable populations.
Road Conditions and Snow Squalls
Yellow snow squall warnings have also been issued for areas north of London, including Huron and Perth counties. Gusty winds, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h, are causing blowing snow, leading to several road closures:
- Hwy 23: North of Hwy 7 to Listowel
- Hwy 4: North of Exeter
- Hwy 8: From Stratford to Goderich
Forecasters expect snow accumulation between 10 to 20 centimeters in the vicinity of London on Friday. However, additional snow is anticipated on Sunday.
Impacts of a Weather System
A powerful weather system is moving from the Gulf of Mexico, bringing moisture that may collide with the arctic air mass. This could lead to significant precipitation across southwestern Ontario, although the most severe impacts are forecasted for U.S. states.
In the U.S., approximately 177 million people are under ice and snow warnings, with cities like Washington D.C., New York, and Boston expecting around 30 centimeters of snow.
Frostbite Risks and Recommendations
Environment Canada warns that extreme cold can result in frostbite, which may develop within minutes on exposed skin. Residents should watch for symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Numbness and color change in fingers and toes
People are encouraged to check on older family members and friends during this cold spell. Outdoor workers should take frequent breaks to warm up, and pet owners should keep their animals indoors when possible.
