Environment Canada issues extreme cold warning for Kingston area

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Kingston and the area on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, with very cold wind chill values expected to develop tonight into Friday morning, and Friday night into Saturday morning.

The warning was issued at around 11 a.m. for Kingston, Odessa, and Frontenac Islands, as well as the Napanee and Consecon, and Picton and Sandbanks Park areas.

“In the wake of a strong cold front, wind chills are expected to reach minus 35 to minus 40 tonight into Friday morning,” the national weather agency said. “After moderating during the day Friday, wind chills are again forecast to reach minus 35 to minus 40 Friday night into Saturday morning.”

“Extreme cold puts everyone at risk,” Environment Canada continued, also cautioning against leaving pets outdoors. “If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.”

Further reminders were provided in the warning, including:

• Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an elevated risk to health such as frostbite and hypothermia.
• Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.
• Dress warmly. Dress in layers that you can remove if you get too warm. The outer layer should be wind resistant.
• Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

Shortly after this warning was release, KFL&A Public Health issued a Cold Weather Health Warning for the area, in which they discuss frostbite and hypothermia and how to prevent both.

With the cold weather upon us, Kingstonist has compiled an article with lists of warm-up locations that can be used throughout the day, as well as warming centres, emergency shelters, and other shelter options. All of that information, sourced from the City of Kingston and KFL&A Public Health, can be read here.