Severe cold grips Prescott-Russell
Extreme cold made the Christmas holiday break a good time to stay indoors.
Environment Canada issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the Prescott-Russell region and other parts of Eastern Ontario during the latter half of December. Temperatures took a sharp drop following the warmer weather that resulted in heavy snowfall on Christmas Day. The severe cold situation continued into the first week of January
The extreme sub-zero temperatures settled in during Boxing Day and continued up to and including the New Year’s weekend, averaging between minus 25 to minus 30 degrees during the day and even colder during the night. Winter wind chills were also common of minus 35 or colder during the day and between minus 35 and minus 40 during the night in some areas of the region. Many common and special outdoor activities scheduled for the end of the year in Eastern Ontario were cancelled because of the extreme cold.
A frost bite warning was in effect for almost all of Eastern Ontario. Residents were advised to remain indoors if at all possible. Health authorities also urged families with small children or members who were elderly or suffered from chronic illnesses to stay inside and avoid the risk of frost bite and hypothermia, also known as “exposure sickness”. These winter hazards are greater for children and seniors who are outside without proper cold-weather clothing, and also for people whose jobs require them to work outside.
Starting the first half of January, winter temperatures are expected to become milder, moving back into the single digits during the day for the most part and sinking back to minus 10 or colder during the night. Residents are advised to keep checking with Environment Canada, the Weather Network or other information sites for updates on the long-range winter weather forecast and be ready in case another extreme cold situation results.
Part of that preparation means remembering to dress warmly when outdoors, and wear layered clothing, including a windresistant outer coat. Tuques, balaclavas, scarves and well-insulated gloves or mittens are necessary to avoid having skin exposed to the cold. Chemical “hot shot” hand and foot warmers should be kept inside gloves or mittens and boots but remember that the chemical heat provided is temporary.
Watch for cold-related symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness or severe aching and colour changes in the fingers and toes. If working outside, take frequent breaks to go indoors and warm up.
Pet owners should also keep their dogs, cats or other animals inside the house during an extreme cold situation, or in a heated garage or some other type of warm shelters. If it is too cold for a human to go outside, it is too cold for them also, in spite of their fur.
Anyone driving during the winter should have an emergency road kit inside their vehicle with blankets, extra jumper cables, chocolate bars or other sweets, extra clothing, road flares, and small candles and matches.
Starting the first half of January, winter temperatures are expected to become milder, moving back into the single digits during the day for the most part.