Extreme Cold Warning in Effect for Ottawa-Gatineau Region
Environment Canada has issued a severe weather advisory for the Ottawa-Gatineau area, warning residents of dangerously low wind chills that could plummet to -35°C. The advisory, released on Saturday, forecasts a prolonged period of extreme cold affecting the National Capital Region through Monday morning.
Temperature Forecast and Wind Chill Projections
According to Environment Canada's late afternoon advisory, wind chills near -35°C were expected overnight Saturday into Sunday morning, with similar conditions likely returning Sunday night into Monday. As of mid-evening Saturday, Ottawa temperatures were projected to drop to -24°C overnight, rise to -14°C as the daytime high on Sunday, and then fall again to -23°C on Sunday night.
The weather agency noted that relatively warmer conditions should arrive by Tuesday or Wednesday, with daytime highs reaching -5°C and nighttime lows around -10°C. This temporary reprieve will follow several days of potentially hazardous cold that puts all residents at risk.
Health Risks and Safety Recommendations
Environment Canada emphasized that extreme cold poses significant health risks to everyone, with particular vulnerability for young children, older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter. The agency provided specific safety guidelines to help residents endure the frigid conditions:
- Watch for cold-related symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle weakness, and numbness or color changes in fingers and toes
- Cover exposed skin completely as frostbite can develop within minutes in these conditions
- Check on elderly family members, friends, and neighbors regularly
- Bring pets indoors - if it's too cold for humans, it's too cold for animals
- Outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks to warm up indoors
- If experiencing pain, numbness, tingling, or swelling in extremities, move indoors immediately and begin warming
Regional Impact and Preparedness
The extreme cold warning affects both Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec, highlighting the cross-border nature of this weather event in the National Capital Region. Environment Canada's advisory serves as a critical reminder for residents to take necessary precautions during this cold snap, including proper winter clothing, limiting outdoor exposure, and monitoring vulnerable community members.
While the current forecast shows improvement by mid-week, the immediate danger of frostbite and hypothermia requires heightened awareness and preparation from all residents in the affected areas.
