Bundle up, Newmarket, a cold snap is on the way for this weekend, as well as the possibility of a major snowstorm.
Temperatures are forecast to dip to a frosty -16C tonight and Saturday night, with a high of -11C during the day Saturday, with wind chill in the -20 to -30 range.
Sunday’s daytime high is forecast at -12C — though the windchill of -27C will make it feel colder — dipping to a bone-chilling -21C in the evening, according to Environment Canada.
At least 2 to 5 centimetres of snow and moderate winds gusting up to 50 km/h are expected throughout the day Saturday, tapering off late in the evening. Take care getting around, as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery, and blowing snow may reduce visibility.
A break from the frigid temperatures isn’t expected until Tuesday, with a “balmy” daytime high of -4C in the forecast.
However, we can expect the “colder than normal” temperatures to continue in the weeks ahead, as winter truly settles in.
“Our pattern is currently in the process of making the transition to a more consistently cold pattern, with the frigid pattern locking into place for the final week of January and into early February," meteorologist Dr. Doug Gillham said on WeatherNetwork.com. "While a thaw is possible during February, colder than normal temperatures are expected to dominate through the month of February and potentially even into March."
As the snow diminishes to flurries by Sunday, strong winds could cause extensive blowing and drifting snow, as well as truly dangerous wind chills into the -20s to near -30.
When the temperatures drop to -15C and below, with or without the wind chill, take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.
The amount of time spent outdoors, for children and seniors, in particular, should be limited. If the temperature or wind chill is -27C or lower, consider staying indoors.
Here is more information on how to stay safe during extreme cold conditions.
If you want to keep warm this weekend, you can visit a Town of Newmarket community centre during regular hours.
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Magna Centre, open until 10 p.m. tonight and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
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Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, open until 10 p.m. tonight, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
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Newmarket Public Library, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday
The bitter cold is particularly concerning for the homeless, and seasonal emergency housing and shelters, and other emergency housing facilities in Newmarket are prepared for a busy weekend.
Inn From the Cold, which has 36 beds, has already been at capacity most nights in recent weeks, executive director Ann Watson said.
When they’re full — it’s first come, first served — they facilitate a “warm transfer” by taxi to another shelter, including Porter Place and Out From the Cold.
As the temperature falls, the generosity of the community keeps spirits warm at the shelter.
Residents drop by with donations of gift cards, coats and boots on a regular basis, Watson said.
This week, $800 in gift cards for coffee shops and grocery stores was donated by a woman whose business held a fundraising event, she said.
The shelter is well stocked with coats and blankets, Watson said, but donations of clean sleeping bags, with zippers that work, and warm, “practical” men’s boots in average sizes are always welcome.
Even when emergency housing facilities in the region reach capacity, York Region continues to provide people in need with supports, resources and information to help them stay safe and warm, York Region’s manager of homelessness community programs, Carmela Ciappa, said.
Those resources include using temporary overflow beds at shelters when available, finding emergency housing in neighbouring municipalities, and providing transit fare to help people get to other available places to stay, such as with family and friends.
“York Region has plans in place so no one is left out in the cold,” Ciappa said.
York Region also funds a Street Outreach Van, operated by Loft/Crosslinks, that provides clothing, food, sleeping bags and tents in cold weather from 2 to 9 p.m. daily, she said.
Local emergency resources include:
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Inn From the Cold (510 Penrose St.), which provides overnight accommodation for those seeking temporary housing, meals and clothing. Inn from the Cold is open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., seven days a week. For more information, call 905-895-8889.
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Belinda’s Place (16580 Yonge St.), which provides accommodations for women who are homeless or in crisis. Call 289-366-4673.
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Street Outreach Van, which provides mobile street outreach services to homeless, street-involved people and those at risk of being homeless, seven days a week from 2 to 9 p.m. To schedule a meeting place and time, call 1-866-553-4053.
