Another extreme cold warning has been issued for Sarnia and Lambton County this week.
Environment Canada says extreme cold conditions — including wind chill values near –30 C — are expected overnight into Wednesday morning.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frost bite and hypothermia.
Wednesday’s forecast includes a high of –10 C with a wind chill value of –29 C in the morning, and –21 C in the afternoon and a risk of frostbite.
“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” the agency noted, adding that risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.
“Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill,” Environment Canada added. “Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle such as extra blankets and jumper cables.
Lambton Public Health (LPH) advises local agencies that provide shelter and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness to prepare for an increase in demand during the Cold Weather Warning.
All residents should take precautions by dressing in layers, shielding exposed areas from the wind such as head, neck, and face, and limiting time spent outdoors.
Overexposure to cold can be hazardous and even life-threatening. Hypothermia, which can strike in any season, occurs when the body’s temperature drops below the normal range between 36.1°C and 37.8°C (97°F and 100°F). Symptoms may include pale skin, lethargy, confusion, excessive shivering, and hallucinations.
Please visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca for more information about extreme cold and your health and to access a list of available warming centre locations and hours of operation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please contact Lambton County Social Services at 519-344-2062, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. For assistance outside of these hours, please contact the Good Shepherd’s Lodge at 519-344-1679.
For the full forecast, visit thesarniajournal.ca/weather.