GTA hit by one of winter’s coldest spells, Toronto wind chill near -30°C
Wind chills near -30°C hit Toronto Friday as the City opens eight warming centres and crews work around the clock. Environment Canada warns some areas could feel like -40°C.
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By Torontoer Staff
The Greater Toronto Area is facing some of the coldest temperatures of the winter on Friday, with Environment Canada issuing extreme cold warnings as wind chill values drop into the -30s. Toronto recorded a wind chill near -30°C early Friday, and some parts of southern Ontario could feel as cold as -40°C.
City services and community agencies have mobilized for the freeze. Toronto has opened eight warming centres, outreach teams are working around the clock, and crews have been kept on duty over the weekend to maintain routes and respond to urgent needs.
City response and warming centres
Mayor Olivia Chow said the city will not pause snow cleanup or outreach work over the weekend and urged anyone who needs shelter to come inside. The City activated a new temporary warming centre at John Innes Community Centre, 150 Sherbourne Street, bringing the total open locations to eight.
We have capacity in our warming centre and shelters. If you need it, I just urge folks to come inside.
Mayor Olivia Chow
City staff said additional outreach workers are deployed to assist people living outdoors and to connect them with services. Warming centre hours and locations are available on the City of Toronto website and social channels.
Forecast and the health risks
Environment Canada warned that wind chill values could reach close to -40°C in parts of southern Ontario. Toronto’s daytime high is forecast near -13°C, about 11 degrees below the seasonal average, with wind chill making it feel like -21°C this afternoon and -27°C overnight.
For the first time this season, Toronto Pearson International Airport recorded a wind chill of -30°C at about 5 a.m. Friday. Areas north of the city, including Huntsville, reported wind chills near -38°C.
Bundle up. At these wind chills, frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin.
CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter
Transit and commuting
The TTC reported operations were running smoothly Friday morning but advised riders to check vehicle locations via the transit app before leaving home, citing the impact of extreme cold on waits and schedules.
With the freezing cold temperatures, we are encouraging customers to check the transit app to see exactly where their vehicles are before they head out the door.
TTC spokesperson Susan Nguyen
Commuters should expect longer boarding times while people get into heated cars and buses. Allow extra time, dress for long outdoor waits, and keep mobile devices charged in case of delays.
How people are coping
Some residents described the conditions as an unpleasant but familiar part of the season. One man interviewed by CP24 said, "I like to think it toughens us up a little bit," while others emphasised dressing in layers and limiting time outdoors.
Practical safety tips
- Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and wear a hat, scarf and insulated gloves.
- Limit time outdoors, especially for seniors, young children and those with health conditions.
- Check on neighbours, friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold.
- If you must drive, check your battery, tyre pressure and antifreeze, and keep an emergency kit that includes warm blankets.
- Keep phones charged and carry a portable charger in case of transit delays.
- Use official City of Toronto resources to find warming centres and shelter information.
- Avoid leaving pets outside for extended periods; move them indoors when possible.
What to expect next
The extreme cold warning remains in effect through the coming days as the region moves through a prolonged cold snap. Environment Canada will update warnings as conditions change, and municipal services say they will maintain elevated staffing levels until temperatures moderate.
Resources, including warming centre locations and outreach contacts, are available on the City of Toronto website and through local media updates. Residents are advised to monitor forecasts and follow public safety guidance.
If you are planning to be outside at all, plan ahead, stay informed, and prioritise bringing anyone in from the cold.
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