Canada has one of the most severe winter climates of any country in the world. Canadians across the country may face severe cold weather conditions that can affect their health. However, being active and enjoying winter activities and sports is a great way to stay healthy. Learn how to adjust to cold conditions so you can enjoy the winter weather.

About extreme cold

The definition of extreme cold varies in different parts of the country due to local climate. Whenever temperatures drop dramatically below normal, staying warm and safe can become challenging. In general, your risk of health effects like windburn and frostbite increase at wind chill values below -27.

The wind can make cold temperatures feel even colder. The  wind chill indexmeasures what the temperature feels like on exposed skin based on the speed of the wind. A  wind chill can cause your body to lose heat faster and your skin to freeze very quickly. Wind chills below -70 have been recorded in some northern Canadian communities.

Who is at risk?

While anyone who isn’t dressed warmly is at risk in cold weather conditions, some are at greater risk than others for frost bite and hypothermia:

• homeless people
• outdoor workers
• people living in homes that are poorly insulated (with no heat or no power)
• people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and diseases affecting the blood vessels
• people taking certain medications including beta-blockers
• winter sport enthusiasts
• infants (under 1 year)
• seniors (65 years or older)