Markham faced another stretch of dangerous cold heading into Monday, Feb. 9, after a weekend in which wind chills across the Greater Toronto Area fell into the minus 30s.

The deep freeze followed a messy Friday. On Feb. 6, Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Toronto and the GTA, saying a low-pressure system would bring 4 to 8 centimetres of snow by that evening. A cold front pushing through Friday evening was expected to bring wind gusts of up to 80 km/h, with blowing snow cutting visibility for drivers.

Cold warning over the weekend

Environment Canada issued a yellow cold warning for Toronto and the GTA on Friday, and temperatures dropped sharply once the front passed. Saturday, Feb. 7, brought mainly sunny skies but a high of only -13 C, with northwest winds of 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. The forecast called for an overnight low of -22 C, with wind chills near -30 and as cold as -35 overnight into Sunday morning.

By Sunday, the yellow cold warning stretched across southern Ontario and much of the north. Wind chills in the GTA reached about -33 on Saturday amid blowing snow, and forecasters said similar conditions would return Sunday night into Monday.

Environment Canada warned that frostbite can set in within minutes on exposed skin when the wind chill is this low.

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk.

— Environment Canada

Who is most at risk

The weather agency said the risks are greatest for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people without proper shelter, and anyone working or exercising outside. It urged people to watch for warning signs of cold-related illness, including shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and changes in the colour of fingers and toes.

Residents were also advised to check on neighbours and relatives who may be vulnerable, and to cover exposed skin before heading outdoors.

Anyone in York Region who needs emergency shelter can call the region's Emergency Housing Central Intake Line at 1-877-464-9675, extension 76140.

When it eases

CP24 meteorologist Bill Coulter said the cold would hang on for about the next week, and that milder weather was more likely in the lead-up to the Family Day long weekend.