TORONTO– Environment Canada has issued an urgent weather warning for various parts of Eastern Ontario as a blast of arctic air is expected to bring dangerously low temperatures to the region. A “Cold Warning” is currently in effect for Kingston, Pembroke, and Bancroft, where meteorologists predict that temperatures could plummet to between -30°C and -35°C when factoring in the wind chill. Residents in the Pembroke area are also advised to prepare for potential sudden snowfall on Friday night as the cold front moves through.
In response to these life-threatening conditions, Health Canada has released specific safety guidelines for those who must venture outdoors. Officials urge the public to cover all exposed skin, including hands, ears, and the nose, and to wear multiple layers of clothing with a wind-resistant outer shell. These precautions are essential to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, which can occur rapidly in such extreme conditions.
To support the community’s most vulnerable members, municipal authorities have opened dedicated warming centers across the region. In Kingston, a temporary overnight shelter has been established at the Salvation Army on Patrick Street. Similar facilities have also been activated in Belleville, Cornwall, and Pembroke to provide a safe and warm environment. Authorities are strongly advising anyone without adequate shelter to move to these emergency centers immediately, as prolonged exposure to this deep freeze can be fatal.
