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The medical officer of health for the City of Hamilton has issued a cold weather alert effective Wednesday night, while Environment Canada warns of significant snowfall.
A cold weather alert is issued when current or anticipated weather conditions are at or below –15 degrees C or –20 with wind chill.
The forecast for Wednesday night calls for the temperature falling to –12 C, feeling like –20 with the wind chill.
The medical officer of health is reminding people that exposure to cold weather can be harmful to their health.
“Wind always makes it feel colder and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia,” reads the alert issued Wednesday afternoon.
“During extreme cold weather conditions, please call, visit, or check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours.”
The City of Hamilton has notified community agencies who work with people who are vulnerable and experiencing homelessness, according to the alert.
It says City of Hamilton recreation centres and Hamilton Public Library branches are available as warming spaces during regular business hours.
Some overnight spaces are also available.
Warning for snowfall in the region
Meanwhile, Environment Canada says Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford and Niagara Region could see “significant snowfall” beginning Wednesday night — between 10 and 20 centimetres.
The federal weather agency issued a yellow snowfall warning just before 2 p.m., in which it says a developing low pressure system will bring significant snowfall to much of southern Ontario.
“[There will be] reduced visibility at times in heavy snow and local blowing snow,” Environment Canada said.
Under Environment Canada’s colour-coded warning system, the yellow level indicates a chance of localized or short-term moderate impacts, according to the weather agency.
The agency said the snowfall will begin late Wednesday evening, lasting through Thursday afternoon with snow tapering off Thursday evening.
“A sharp temperature drop leading to cold wind chills by Thursday morning, during ongoing snowfall, will add to the adverse weather conditions,” according to Environment Canada.
“There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions [and] allow extra time for travel.”
