Extreme Cold

Cold Warnings are to inform the public when the weather could be dangerous due to very low temperatures or wind chill. They are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to help people stay safe.

The warnings use colour codes Yellow, Orange, and Red to show how serious the cold is. These warnings are meant to:

• Give you time to prepare and dress appropriately
• Alert people who may be more at risk from cold weather
• Provide tips on staying safe and healthy during very cold conditions

Lakelands Public Health shares these warnings with the community to help residents make safe choices during extreme cold.

In our region, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) generally issues Cold Warnings when temperatures or wind chill values are expected to reach -30°C or colder for two or more consecutive hours.

Most Cold Warnings are Yellow-level (moderate impact).

Orange- or Red-level warnings may be issued when high or extreme impacts are anticipated. These decisions are made by ECCC and may reflect factors such as extended periods of extreme cold, temperatures or wind chills that are rarely experienced locally (for example, -40°C or colder), or additional risks such as widespread power outages.

A Cold Warning has been issued for January 24 and 25, 2026 for the entire Lakelands Public Health region. 

The Lakelands Public Health region includes the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, the City and County of Peterborough, and Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations.

Hypothermia happens when your body loses heat faster than it can make it, causing your core body temperature to drop. It can be mild or severe.

Even mild hypothermia is dangerous, and severe hypothermia can be life-threatening. Recognizing the signs early and taking action quickly can help protect the person and prevent serious health problems.

Stage	Picture	Signs & Symptoms	Treatment / What to Do
Stage 1 – Mild		Body temp dropped 1–2°C  Shivering Some difficulty moving hands Can still answer questions	Get indoors and lie down Remove wet clothing Warm body with blankets, hot packs, or skin-to-skin contact Offer a warm, sweet drink Seek medical attention if no improvement in 30 mins
Stage 2 – Moderate		Body temp dropped 2–4°C Strong shivering Confused, poor coordination Pale skin; lips, ears, fingers may turn blue	Seek medical attention immediately If waiting for EMS, warm the person carefully Do not offer food or drink
Stage 3 – Severe		Body temp below 32°C Shivering stops Trouble speaking, thinking, or walking May be difficult to wake	Call 911 immediately Warm the person and monitor breathing while waiting for help

• Check the weather: Pay attention to weather alerts and adjust your plans.

• Dress in layers: Keep your head, neck, torso, hands, and feet warm. Cover as much skin as possible. Change wet clothing quickly.

• Keep moving: Especially your hands and feet to maintain blood flow and body heat.

• Be cautious with strenuous activity: Avoid heavy snow shoveling if you have heart or health concerns.

• Watch for slippery surfaces: Consider ice grips or wait until conditions improve.

• Find shelter: If caught outside in severe weather, go indoors immediately.

• Protect from the sun: Wear sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen on sunny days.

• Avoid alcohol: It affects blood flow and increases hypothermia risk.

• Check on others: Make sure older adults, friends, and neighbors are warm and have food, medications, and supplies.

• Winterize your home: Add insulation, seal drafts, and check your heating system. Test carbon monoxide alarms regularly.

• Know your personal health risks: Talk to your health care provider(s) to see if you are at an increased risk from extreme cold due to a medical condition, medication, or other risk factors or ask your healthcare provider if medical conditions, medications, or other factors increase your risk in cold weather. 

• Check clothing: Make sure your household has warm, appropriate winter clothing. Keep spare sets in your vehicle.

• Emergency plan & kit: Be ready for power outages or extreme weather events. Learn more at Power Outages.

• Support older adults: Offer to check on relatives or neighbors during extreme winter weather.

Extreme cold can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Frostbite and hypothermia are serious conditions that need quick action.

Use the chart below to recognize severe signs and see what to do immediately if someone is affected. Following these steps can help protect their health.

Cold weather can create hazards beyond frostbite and hypothermia. Being aware of these risks helps you stay safe and prepared.

• Extreme Cold – Get Prepared | Canada.ca – Practical tips to prepare for and stay safe in extreme cold conditions.

• Severe Winter Weather and Store Preparedness Guide | Prepared BC – Available in multiple languages. Note: some content is specific to British Columbia.

• For more information, you can also visit the Extreme cold resources from the Government of Canada or the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health.

For current information about warming centres and other community supports, please visit the City of Kawartha Lakes website or contact the municipality at 705-324-9411 (toll‑free 1‑888‑822‑2225) for assistance.

For current information about warming centres, community supports, or local services, please visit the respective municipal websites or contact their offices directly:

• County of Haliburton — Phone: 705-286-1333

• Township of Algonquin Highlands — Phone: 705‑489‑2379 

• Municipality of Dysart et al — Phone: 705‑457‑1740 

• Municipality of Highlands East — Phone: 705‑448‑2981 

• Township of Minden Hills — Phone: 705‑286‑1260

For current information about warming centres, community supports, or local services, please visit the respective municipal websites or contact their offices directly:

• Northumberland County - Phone: 905-372-3329

• Town of Cobourg – Phone: 905-372‑4301 (toll‑free 1‑888‑972‑4301) 

• Township of Alnwick‑Haldimand – Phone: 905‑924‑3838 

• Municipality of Brighton – Phone: 613‑475‑1744 

• Township of Cramahe – Phone: 905‑355‑2821 

• Township of Hamilton – Phone: 905‑342‑2810 

• Municipality of Port Hope – Phone: 905‑753‑2230 

• Municipality of Trent Hills – Phone: 705‑653‑1900 

For current information about warming centres, community supports, and other local services, please visit the City of Peterborough’s website or by phone at: 705‑742‑7777 (toll‑free 1‑855‑738‑3755)

For current information about warming centres, community supports, or local services, please visit the respective municipal websites or contact their offices directly:

• Peterborough County - Phone: 705-743-0380 Toll free: 1-800-710-9586

• Township of Asphodel‑Norwood – Phone: 705‑639‑5343 

• Township of Cavan Monaghan – Phone: 705‑932‑2929 

• Douro‑Dummer – Phone: 705‑652‑8392 

• Havelock‑Belmont‑Methuen  – Phone: 705‑778‑2308 

• North Kawartha Township – Phone: 705‑656‑4445 

• Otonabee‑South Monaghan – Phone: 705‑295‑6880 

• Selwyn Township  – Phone: 705‑292‑9507 

• Trent Lakes – Phone: 705‑738‑3800 

For up‑to‑date information about warming centres, supports, and services, please visit their official websites or contact their band offices directly:

• Alderville First Nation – Phone: 905‑352‑2011

• Curve Lake First Nation – Phone: 705‑657‑8045

• Hiawatha First Nation – Phone: 705‑295‑4421 (toll‑free 1‑866‑295‑4421)