Cold warning issued for Toronto as wind chill could reach -32 C
Environment Canada has issued a yellow cold warning for Toronto. Overnight lows could hit -25 C, with wind chill making it feel like -32 C; prepare and limit time outdoors.
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By Torontoer Staff
Environment Canada issued a yellow-level cold warning for Toronto and surrounding areas Thursday morning, cautioning that frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin as wind chill values plunge. The agency urged residents to watch for colour changes, pain, numbness and swelling in fingers and toes and to move indoors and warm up if symptoms appear.
Thursday’s daytime high is forecast at -10 C, well below the seasonal norm of -2 C. Temperatures are expected to fall to about -25 C overnight, with CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter estimating the wind chill will make it feel like -32 C.
What the warning means
A yellow cold warning indicates temperatures or wind chill conditions that may pose a risk to health. Environment Canada’s advisory highlights that exposed skin can develop frostbite rapidly in these conditions, especially for infants, older adults and people with certain medical conditions.
Watch for colour changes on fingers and toes, pain, numbness, a tingling sensation, or swelling. If present, move indoors and begin warming.
Environment Canada
Health and safety: frostbite and hypothermia
Frostbite typically affects extremities first: fingers, toes, ears and the nose. Hypothermia becomes a risk when the body cannot maintain core temperature, and symptoms include shivering, confusion and slurred speech. Seek medical attention if hypothermia is suspected.
- Cover exposed skin with warm clothing, including hats, scarves and insulated gloves.
- Layer clothing to trap warmth and add a windproof outer layer.
- Limit time outdoors, and take frequent warming breaks indoors.
- Keep active to maintain circulation, but avoid sweating, which can lower body temperature.
- Check on neighbours who are older, live alone, or have mobility challenges.
Impact on travel and services
The deep freeze follows a record snowstorm last weekend. Coulter said there is not expected to be much additional snowfall across the Greater Toronto Area this week, but the cold can affect transit operations and vehicle performance. Drivers should watch for icy surfaces and allow extra travel time.
Services that support people experiencing homelessness and community outreach groups often increase daytime warming options and outreach during extreme cold. Residents can contact local shelters or 311 for information about warming centres and supports.
Short-term outlook
The cold will persist through Friday with a daytime high near -11 C and wind chill around -30. The weekend will be bright and cold, with mostly sunny conditions and daytime highs near -9 C on Saturday and -7 C on Sunday.
January continues to deliver all those old-fashioned winter feels. So much cold and snow. And now we need to prepare for more bitter and even dangerous wind chills ahead.
Bill Coulter, CP24 Meteorologist
Residents should plan activities with the cold in mind, keep pets indoors when possible, and ensure emergency kits in vehicles include blankets, a charged phone, and warm clothing. Monitor local forecasts and advisories for updates.
Toronto faces one of its coldest nights of the season. Take precautions, limit exposure, and check on vulnerable neighbours as the deep freeze continues.
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