An extreme cold weather alert for the GTA announced by Environment Canada Monday remained in effect Tuesday.
Temperatures fell to -21C Tuesday morning but with the wind chill, it felt more like -30C. Environment Canada said that wind chill values ranging from -30 to -42 could be expected but winds will deteriorate slightly as the day progresses.
This is the 17th time this year that a cold weather alert has been issued by Environment Canada.
"Last night was the coldest night we've had this year," said CTV's Tom Brown. "Things are a lot better today."
Brown said that a clipper moving into the GTA Tuesday night is expected to bring 1-3cm of snow starting at around 10 p.m. and ending by 3 a.m. Wednesday.
It is only the beginning of March but the weather in the GTA has been all over the map this month. First there was the snow and ice storms last week and now the concern is over the blustering winds and intense cold.
Milder conditions are expected by the end of the week with Friday's forecast calling for temperatures of 4C.
High winds and snow could cause dangerous white-out conditions. Ontario Provincial Police are urging people to use caution when driving.
Extreme cold weather alerts are issued when temperatures are -15C or lower without accounting for the wind chill. Warnings are given out in order to help get homeless people in from the cold.
Street Helpline operates 24 hours a day to help homeless people find shelter. If you see a homeless person in need of help contact them at 1-866-392-3777.
Under the alert, the following extra services are available to help homeless people:
- 80 additional emergency sleeping spaces in Toronto shelters;
- enhanced street outreach services, including emergency transportation to shelters; and
- emergency TTC tickets are available at a number of drop-in centres to help homeless people reach shelters.
