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SWPH Issues Cold Weather Alert

Thursday, 12 February 2026 17:39

By Kyle Freel

Photo Credit: Southwestern Public Health Facebook page - Southwestern Public Health

Environment Canada is predicting wind chill values overnight in the negative 20s.

SWPH - Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) has issued a cold weather alert for Oxford, Elgin, Middlesex and St. Thomas.

Environment Canada is predicting wind chill values in the negative 20s overnight.

The health unit is encouraging everyone to stay indoors as much as possible. If you do have to go outside, make sure you bundle up and cover all exposed skin. You should also avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic drinks because they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.

Older adults, young children and those who work outside or enjoy outdoor sports could be vulnerable to the cold. The same goes for homeless individuals who do not have access to proper clothes, food, or shelter.

Anyone in need of shelter from the cold can find more information about local warming centres online here.

Hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and it can affect your ability to move and/or think clearly. The symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. 

Frostbite can make you lose the feeling and colour in your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. The skin will look white or grayish-yellow and it could also feel unusually firm or waxy. 

Those with frostbite and/or hypothermia should seek medical attention.

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