Days into cold snap, London's health unit warns of frigid temperatures

For the first time since a bone-chilling cold snap hit in late December, the Middlesex London Health Unitissued a cold weather alert Tuesday.

The City of London also updated its website Tuesday, putting alist of warming centres on the main page.

Both the MLHU and city hall were closed over the holidays when temperatures dropped to 24.5 C in the London region on Dec. 31. The warmest it's been in the past week is 9 C, not including wind chill.

• London and area under an extreme cold warning, says weather agency
• Handful of city services closed until Jan. 2

"If you're planning to spend time outdoors over the next several days, you need to plan ahead and make sure you're dressing for the conditions," cautioned public health inspector Randy Walker in a statement.

"At these temperatures, the cold can damage exposed skin in a matter of a few minutes, so it is important to cover up and to dress in layers."

Environment Canada also issued an extreme cold warning for London, Strathroy and Middlesex CountyTuesday.

The weather agency said temperatures will drop to 20 C Tuesday night and will feel like 30 C with the wind chill.

What to look for

The Health Unit is calling on local agencies to provide shelter and assistance to the city's homeless,citing dangers related to over-exposure to frigid temperatures such as hypothermia or frostbite.

Symptoms related to hypothermia may include:

• pale skin, confusion and hallucinations.

Symptoms of frostbite include:

• red and blue skin areas with sensations of pain, numbness or stiffness.

Pet owners arereminded to keep their furry friends indoors during unbearable temperatures.

• 'If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pets': Ontario SPCA