Health & weather officials warn of extreme temperatures that can freeze your skin within minutes
"Dangerous" is a word being used to describe the cold weather that will be impacting our region over the next couple of days.
Oxford County has issued a Cold Weather Alert, and Environment Canada has a wind chill warning in effect.
The wind chill this afternoon will be around -27 degrees Celsius, which will drop to -35 tonight. The cold and wind chill will only get more extreme on Tuesday with a daytime high of -19 and a wind chill factor of -41.
That has Oxford County Supervisor of Health Protection, Peter Heywood urging people to limit their time outdoors. "Extreme caution is really advised to anyone headed outdoors. Exposed skin (at -35 to -41) can freeze in less than 5-minutes. We're dealing with very extreme temperatures and overexposure to the cold may result in hypothermia."
Signs of hypothermia include pale skin, shivering, confusion, and eventually loss of consciousness. Heywood says if those signs are presented, it is a medical emergency and the affected person needs to seek immediate medical attention.
Heywood's best advice to stay warm: "The key is to really reduce your exposure to the outside and if you do have to go out, make sure you wear multiple layers and protect yourself from the elements. The best thing is to just be indoors, warm and cozy with a book and a cup of tea."
For those who don't have shelter, Woodstock's Inn out of the Cold shelter is open from 7PM to 7AM at Old St. Paul's Anglican Church on Dundas St. They can be contacted through Operation Sharing at 519-539-3361.
For home and business owners, Environment Canada is telling people to prevent freezing pipes in buildings by turning on the lowest tap in your house and let it run at a pencil thin stream while keeping your indoor temperature run a little warmer at night.
The conditions are expected to set daily records for cold conditions across the region on Tuesday.
Ontario MP Marilyn Gladu Crosses Floor to Join Liberals
OPP Release Seatbelt Campaign Results
Stunt Driver Busted on Highway 401
Theatre Woodstock Announces 2026/2027 Season Lineup
OTF Grant helps Two Local Non-Profits
Tillsonburg Driver Tries to Evade R.I.D.E. Checkpoint
Canada's Wonderland Introduces New Chaperone Policy
Humane Society Seeking Home for Long-Term Resident
WPS Briefs - Apr. 7th, 2026
PJHL Playoff Recap - April 6th
Oxford County Developing New Tourism Experience
NDCC Nominated for BASF Grant
New Poll: Artemis II Mission
WPS Briefs - Apr. 6th, 2026
WestJet Adding Fuel Surcharges
BBBS Oxford Completes Fundraising Goal
Construction Pending for Stover Street Bridge
Gems and Java Fast Approaching!
PJHL Playoff Recap - April 4th
Artemis II Mission Approaching Moon
Comments
Add a comment