Ottawans brave bitter cold snap
Posted Jan 23, 2011 12:18:47 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
When it comes to the cold, we’re a tough lot. But this is a little extreme.
Sunday was on-track to be the coldest day recorded so far this year, and the coldest all winter. The day’s high was pegged at -20. Windchill values were predicted to be in the -30 to -40 range.
“At those temperatures, exposed flesh can freeze in as little as 10 minutes,” said Harold Hosein, 1310News meteorologist. He emphasized the importance of making sure you’re protected from the bitter windchill values. Ottawa was under a Windchill Warning from Environment Canada and a Frostbite Alert from Ottawa Public Health.
People spending time outside on the Rideau Canal Skateway were bundled up extra-tight. But there weren’t too many of them.
“We love it, this is our fourth time out,” said one woman. “We’re so lucky to have this in Ottawa, so we take full advantage of it.”
Some people were actually out running in the bitter temperatures.
“I think we’re a bit crazy,” admitted one of the men. “We’ve made a pact that if its -40 next Sunday, or any Sunday, we’re staying in bed, no questions asked.”
The NCC’s Skate Patrol was out, keeping an eye our for skaters who may be suffering from the elements. They say this type of extreme cold can catch up with you fast.
“You can freeze your eyeballs,” said Dominique LaRocque, emphasizing the importance of goggles for skaters.
“We had someone the other day come in, and she had frozen her eyeballs,” LaRocque told 1310News. “We had to really take care of her.”
The bitterly cold temperatures are going to ease up. Monday’s high was forecast at -18, with temperatures warming up to -9 for Tuesday.
