extreme cold alert Toronto

Toronto issues first extreme cold weather alert of the season

Well, that escalated quickly.

Just over one month after issuing a series of extreme heat alerts, Toronto Public Health has issued an extreme cold weather alert for the city based on information from Environment Canada.

The alert, which activates local community services aimed at keeping vulnerable residents safe, will remain in effect "until further notice."

Extreme cold weather alerts are usually issued in Toronto when temperatures are forecast to reach below -15 degrees Celsius, or when the wind chill is expected to be -20 or colder.

City officials say that today's alert has been issued "in consideration of the sudden temperature change this early in the season," though we are projected to see a frigid wind chill -18 degrees Celsius.

Members of the public are encouraged to seek shelter, dress in layers, stay dry, drink warm fluids, and call or visit vulnerable loved ones.

Lead photo by

Ben Roffelsen


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Wriggling mass of live eels worth up to $500K seized at Toronto airport

People got very stupid and dangerous with fireworks in Toronto on Victoria Day

This is what Victoria Day fireworks looked like at Canada's Wonderland

What's open and closed on Victoria Day 2024 in Toronto

Toronto's Rouge Beach is where to find the largest wetlands in the city and a long sandy beach

Here are the rules for setting off your own fireworks in Toronto on Victoria Day

Evergreen Brick Works is an old Toronto brick factory turned nature escape

The breathtaking Mast Trail in Toronto follows a 200-year-old logging route