Toronto is bracing for a deep freeze as Environment Canada issued a cold warning on Thursday, January 29, 2026, due to an influx of arctic air. The city and surrounding areas are facing brutally cold wind chill values, with temperatures expected to feel like -32 degrees Celsius. The weather agency warns that frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin under these conditions.
Residents are advised to watch for signs of frostbite, including colour changes, pain, numbness, or swelling on fingers and toes. Environment Canada urges individuals to move indoors and begin warming if these symptoms appear. CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter noted that Thursday's high will be -10 C, significantly below the seasonal norm of -2 C, with the low dropping to -25 C overnight.
The Toronto Police Service Marine Unit also issued an advisory, reminding the public about the dangers of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Harbour during extreme cold. With fluctuating temperatures, high winds, and wave action, any ice forming will be new and unstable, making it unsafe to walk or skate on. The Marine Unit will be conducting ice rescue training throughout the week, which involves intentionally breaking the ice in various areas.
The city is encouraging vulnerable individuals to seek shelter indoors and is dispatching extra outreach teams to assist. Environment Canada advises residents to cover up when outdoors and monitor alerts and forecasts. While a slight warming trend is expected in early February, frigid temperatures are likely to persist for the remainder of January.
