Ottawa to get frosty this weekend

OTTAWA – Ottawa is expected to get extremely cold this weekend and city staff are sending out the warning.

Frigid Arctic air will be sweeping into the Ottawa region on Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24. Dress warmly, in layers, covering any exposed skin before going outside and seek shelter indoors from the cold.

Currently, Environment and Climate Change Canada is calling for a high of -18 degrees Celsius on Saturday, Jan. 24 and a low of -29 C. On Sunday (Jan. 25), the high is expected to reach -18 again with a low of -20 C. Temperatures could change by the weekend.

“Residents can find an interactive map of places to warm up online and are encouraged to monitor the weather by downloading the WeatherCAN app,” city staff released in a statement today (Jan. 22).

Frostbite injuries occur when exposed skin freezes when exposed to cold temperatures. Frostbite is a serious condition that requires medical attention as it can lead to painful tissue damage and, in severe cases, amputation. Uncovered skin can freeze in as little as 10 minutes when exposed to wind chill values of -35 C or colder. The months of January and February are typically the coldest months of the Ottawa winter and it’s difficult to avoid the cold weather. Any exposure to extreme cold increases the risk of harmful effects.

There is also an increased risk of hypothermia for people who stay outside for long periods of time without adequate protection. Overexposure can result in severe injury and even death. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recommends wearing multiple layers of clothing, covering all exposed skin, and ensuring the outer layer protects from wind and moisture.

“Certain groups are more vulnerable to cold-weather injuries including: infants, children, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and people who work outdoors,” staff said. “Service providers who work with these populations are encouraged to assess and adjust their programming and activities as necessary to help prevent cold-related injuries.”

There are many services available to help people experiencing homelessness:

• Emergency sleeping spaces in Ottawa shelters
• The Salvation Army’s 24/7 Outreach Van, which encourages people to come in from the cold, provides transportation to shelters, and distributes essential winter supplies
• Drop-in centres that offer supports such as showers, program activities, peer support, and housing supports

Call 311 to get referred to the best available shelter or to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to get out of the cold.

Call 211 anytime to find out how to access drop-in centres, community and health resource centres, food banks and community food programs, winter clothing, financial assistance with utilities and a list of Out of the Cold locations with free meals, snacks and drop-ins.

Call 911 for emergency medical assistance, such as for hypothermia.