You will want to bundle up if you’re going outside today – Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Ottawa.
Today’s forecast calls for sunshine and a high of -17 C, but temperatures will be between -27 C and -34 C this morning and the wind chill value could drop as low as -40 C.
There will be a risk of frostbite throughout the day. Ottawa Public Health's frostbite warning remains in effect.
André Mollema of the Ottawa Paramedic Service says when going outside, it’s important to be well prepared and to be aware of the temperature.
"If not, you’re going to find yourself in trouble pretty quick," says Mollen. "It’s really crucial to dress in layers, we loose approximately forty per cent of our body heat through our head… it’s best to be aware of a few things that can be your queue of frostbite setting in."
Mollen says to watch for the four ‘P’s’:
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Pink - This is the first sign of frostbite
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Pain - the affected areas will hurt
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Patches - of white will appear when skin is dying and have a waxy feel
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Prickles - The area will feel numb
Clouds will roll in this evening and overnight temperatures will drop to -25 C but it will feel more like -33 C with the wind chill.
It will be a warmer day in the capital tomorrow. The forecast calls for a 40 per cent chance of flurries and periods of snow beginning in the afternoon. The high will be -6 C but it will feel more like -25 C with the wind chill in the morning, and more like -12 C in the afternoon.
Expect a mix of sun and cloud and high of -12 C on Friday.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Tyler Fleming.
