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Extreme cold expected overnight Thursday and into the weekend

A blast of cold Arctic air will spread through southern Ontario late Thursday, dropping wind chill values to -30C
Cold weather 1

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Thursday night into Friday morning with wind chill temperatures expected to plunge to -30 C in Cambridge and Waterloo region.

A blast of cold Arctic air will spread through southern Ontario late Thursday.

With the strong cold front, wind chills are expected to reach -30C. After moderating during the day Friday, wind chills may reach -30C again Friday night into early Saturday morning.

Risks of frostbite are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter.

Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

Anyone with older family, friends and neighbours is urged to check on them.

If it's too cold for you to stay outside, it's too cold for your pet to stay outside.

Beginning Feb. 4, designated Warming Centres in Region of Waterloo buildings at 99 Regina Street South (Waterloo), 150 Main Street (Cambridge) and 150 Frederick Street (Kitchener) will be open seven days a week including holidays.

This will continue until at least the end of February and into March, if required. Service updates will be provided on the Region’s website.

Region of Waterloo Housing Services follows an extreme cold weather procedure. 

As part of this process, additional support is available to region-funded emergency shelters, street outreach programs and drop-in programs to provide expanded services where possible. This includes opening more shelter beds, as available, and encouraging those living in encampments to seek shelter.

The Region’s Pocket Card Guide to Services provides a list of locations and contact information for shelters, drop-in services and street outreach throughout Waterloo Region.