The Health Unit is issuing a Cold Alert for the evening of February 23. Temperatures are expected to fall to –13°C, with wind chills reaching –20°C overnight and into the morning of February 24, 2026.
The Middlesex-London Health Unit issues Extreme Cold Weather Alerts when any of the following conditions are met:
• Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a low temperature of –15°C or lower,
• Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a wind chill of -20 or lower, or if
• Environment and Climate Change Canada issues a "Cold Alert" or "Cold Warning."
Prepare for extreme cold events every winter - it’s always a possibility in Ontario. There are numerous steps you can take both before and during this type of event:
• Stay in heated buildings as much as possible (your home, friend or family’s place, public buildings such as malls, libraries, etc.).
• Dress appropriately when going outside (multiple layers of loose-fitting clothes, toques, mittens, etc.) and cover up all exposed skin since, in extreme cold, frostbite can occur within minutes.
• Drink warm fluids but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.
• Avoid strenuous exercise while out in the cold as much as possible.
• Know the weather forecast and avoid travelling when extreme weather is predicted.
• Prepare your home and car for winter.
Seek help if you experience any of the following symptoms of cold illness:
• Hypothermia: Symptoms/signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.
• Frostbite: Symptoms/signs include white/grayish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.
For a list of warming centres in the City of London visit: https://london.ca/warming-centres
For a list of Middlesex County Libraries, where residents can warm up, visit: https://library.middlesex.ca/Locations
For more information about extreme cold visit: www.healthunit.com/community-safety/safety-outdoors/extreme-cold/
Middlesex County Library Services:
If you or someone you know needs a warm place to spend time, visit the library. Your local Middlesex County Library has comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, public computers, and device charging. For a list of all Middlesex County Libraries and their hours, please go to Middlesex County Library Locations.
Local Municipalities:
Local Municipalities within the County of Middlesex may identify warming and cooling centres available for the public. Visit your local municipal website for more information: https://www.middlesex.ca/municipalities
Community Navigators:
Community Navigators are available to offer support to you, or someone you may know, or suspect are living unsheltered or precariously housed in the Middlesex County community
- Community Navigators Contact Information:
Email: @email
Phone number: 519-930-1012
Outreach Supports:
Outreach supports are available for individuals identified as homeless or living unsheltered
- Email: outreach@middlesex.ca
Phone number: 519-930-1012
Community Supports:
For more information on supports and services offered in the community please go to www.middlesex.ca/humanservices
For more information on cold-related illness and warming centres, visit the Health Unit Website. For specific weather-related information, go to Environment Canada Website.