A polar vortex will plunge the GTA into a deep freeze until Wednesday, Environment Canada says.
“Be prepared for very cold conditions. Temperatures may be colder than those that have been seen the last several years,” the federal weather agency said on its website.
Monday’s high is forecast to be -10 C, though it will feel more like -23 C as winds pick up later in the morning and afternoon.
Tuesday could prove to be the coldest day of the winter, with a high of -12 C and windchill values approaching -26.
Temperatures will rise somewhat on Wednesday, according to Environment Canada, before returning to more seasonal ranges by Thursday.
“Remember frostbite can develop in minutes on exposed skin. Keep dry to stay warmer,” the weather agency said.
The City of Toronto has opened seven warming centres and dispatched additional homelessness outreach workers to encourage people to come in from the cold.
The warming centres are located at:
- Cecil Community Centre, 58 Cecil St. (east of Spadina Avenue, south of College Street).
- Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, 870 Queen St. E. (east of Broadview Avenue, north of Queen Street).
- 136 Spadina Rd. (south of Dupont Street).
- 81 Elizabeth St. (west of Bay Street, south of Dundas Street W.).
- 12 Holmes Ave. (off of Yonge Street, south of Finch Avenue E.).
- 885 Scarborough Golf Club Rd. (east of Markham Road, south of Ellesmere Road).
- Metro Hall, 55 John St. (north of Wellington Street W.).