Extreme cold warning grips Toronto as wind chills plunge to dangerous lows

Toronto and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) are facing another morning of brutal Arctic air, with an extreme cold warning now in effect as wind chills drop to some of the lowest levels seen in years.

Environment Canada issued a yellow warning for Toronto and the GTHA on Thursday, cautioning of frigid temperatures as a surge of Arctic air settled over the GTA late Thursday, sending temperatures tumbling to –23°C overnight.

The warning comes after a week of relentless cold across southern Ontario, pushing the region into a stretch of weather that forecasters say is among the harshest of the season.

The yellow warning extends to Mississauga, Brampton, Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton, among other surrounding regions.

With northwesterly winds adding extra bite, the wind chill is forecast to reach near –30, creating conditions that can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 20 minutes.

“Watch for colour changes on fingers and toes, pain, numbness, a tingling sensation, or swelling. If present, move indoors and begin warming,” Environment Canada noted.

Friday will begin with wind chills again hovering near –30, making for a frigid morning commute. A mix of sun and cloud is expected throughout the day, but sunshine will do little to offset the cold with a daytime high of -12°C and a low of -16°C.

Temporary weekend relief

The cold pattern continues into Saturday, though temperatures will moderate slightly. A blend of sun and cloud is expected, with lighter northerly winds. The daytime high will be -10°C and the low will be -17°C.

While still well below seasonal norms, Saturday’s conditions will feel less severe than the deep freeze of Thursday night and Friday morning.

By Sunday, Toronto will finally see a more comfortable shift. Mainly sunny skies and a high of –6°C will offer the warmest daytime temperatures of the short‑term forecast. Although winds will pick up again, the overall trend marks a gradual exit from the extreme cold.

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Toronto warming centres open

In response to the extended stretch of cold weather, the City announced on Thursday that it will open an eighth temporary surge Warming Centre at 5 p.m. at the John Innis Community Centre, located at 150 Sherbourne Street.

The following Warming Centres remain open:

• 136 Spadina Road (south of Dupont St.)
• 81 Elizabeth Street (behind City Hall, West of Bay St., south of Dundas St. W.)
• 349 George Street (East of Jarvis St., south of Gerrard St. E.)
• 12 Holmes Avenue (Off of Yonge St., south of Finch Ave. E.)
• 885 Scarborough Golf Club Road (East of Markham Rd., south of Ellesmere Rd.)
• Cecil Community Centre, 58 Cecil Street (East of Spadina Ave., south of College St.)
• Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, 870 Queen Street East (East of Broadview Ave., north of Queen St. E.)