Grey Bruce Public Health is advising residents to safeguard their health during periods of extreme cold.

Environment & Climate Change Canada issued a Cold Warning for the area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, forecasting wind-chill values will fall below -30 C overnight. Bitterly cold temperatures are expected to continue into the weekend.

The risk of health effects, such as frostbite and windburn, increases significantly when wind-chill values drop below -27 C. A wind chill causes the body to lose heat faster and the skin to freeze very quickly. Overexposure to extreme cold can be life-threatening.

People at greater risk of illness or injury due to the cold weather include:

• Infants (under one year of age) and seniors (aged 65 and older);
• People experiencing homelessness;
• People living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or power);
• People who work or exercise outdoors; and
• People with certain medical conditions and/or who are taking certain medications, such as beta-blockers.

While the Cold Warning is in place, Grey Bruce Public Health encourages residents to check on their loved ones or neighbours, particularly those who may be isolated, living alone, without adequate shelter, or who have a disability.

There are numerous public buildings in Grey-Bruce that municipalities designate as Warming Centres. Many are public buildings that can be accessed, regardless of the temperature, during regular business hours. Some are available outside of normal operating hours when the area is experiencing extreme cold. Residents should contact their municipality for an updated list of local warming centres.

To protect against the cold when outdoors, residents are advised to dress in layers – with a wind and water-resistant outer layer, if possible – and cover exposed skin by wearing gloves, a hat, and scarf.

Residents should also limit the amount of time spent outside.

Parents and caregivers should consider keeping children indoors when temperatures or wind-chill values are -27 C or lower. Children should spend less time outdoors when the temperature falls to -15 C or colder. Babies and toddlers are more at risk of frostbite.

Other ways to stay safe when outdoors in the cold include:

• Keeping moving – especially your hands and feet – to keep blood flowing and maintain body heat;
• Avoiding alcohol before going out (it can confuse your body into thinking you are not as cold as you are);
• Wearing sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen;
• Avoiding strenuous exercise during cold spells;
• Knowing the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and what to do if someone is showing symptoms;
• Drinking warm fluids that do not contain caffeine or alcohol to prevent dehydration; and
• If you participate in winter activities, such as skiing, snowmobiling, and skating, wear a facemask and goggles to protect the face from frostbite and windburn.

For additional information, please visit GBPH’s Extreme Weather webpage.