Bone-chilling temperatures in the Thunder Bay area are forecast to remain in place for another week, although they’re not expected to be as severe as the last few days, Environment Canada says.
“I think you’re through the worst of it, but it’s still going to be quite cold,” Toronto-based meteorologist Trudy Kidd said on Friday.
The mercury is to rise to only -20 C in Thunder Bay today, 12 degrees colder than normal for the city at this time of year.
A bit of relief is expected to start on Monday, when daytime highs should reach -15 C, according to Environment Canada’s website. The normal high for Thunder Bay at the end of January is -8 C.
Kidd said arctic air is continuing to bear down on Northwestern Ontario and parts of Western Canada. By the first week of February, temperatures in Northwestern Ontario are expected to be closer to normal, she said.
Much of southern Ontario is also feeling the polar blast, Kidd noted.
“It’s a huge part of the country that’s being affected by (extreme) cold,” she said.
Meanwhile on Friday, the Northwestern Health Unit issued the following cold-weather coping tips.
• Dress warmly in layers, including a wind-resistant outer layer.
• Keep extremities such as fingers and noses covered, and stay dry.
• Limit time outdoors and take frequent warm-up breaks.
• When travelling, equip vehicles with a winter emergency kit and check road conditions before departing,
• Heat homes safely. Never use fuel-burning devices indoors without proper ventilation.
• Check on family, neighbours and others who may be vulnerable, including older adults, young children, and those without warm shelter.
