Hamilton gripped by extreme cold warning

Stay warm, Hamilton the city will endure a "prolonged period of very cold wind chills" this week, according to Environment Canada.

A frigid mass of arctic air and strong winds is resulting in wind chill values that are making it feel like -30 C. That's expected to last through Friday morning.

"Bitterly cold arctic air has moved into Southern Ontario overnight," Environment Canada said in an extreme cold warning.

Environment Canada is warning that the temperature will plummet to -24 C overnight, with the wind chill values making it feel more like -38 C.

"Cover up. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill."

In most cases, frostbite can be treated fairly easily, with no long-term effects.

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But it can also lead to serious injury, including permanent numbness or tingling, joint stiffness, or muscle weakness. In extreme cases, it can lead to amputation.

Environment Canada is also warning people to keep their pets inside.

The forecast is calling for warmer temperatures on Saturday, with a low of -3 C.