CUDDLE YOUR VALENTINE — CAUISE IT’S GONNA GET FRIGID

SIMCOE MUSKOKA — Call this Frozen 3.

Bundle up and cuddle close because, baby, it’s gonna be cold out there the next few days. So be prepared.

Following last weekend’s freezing temperatures, tonight will be downright frigid.

Environment Canada has forecasted extreme cold conditions for the region Thursday night

A frigid arctic air mass and strong winds are expected, which will result in wind chill values of minus 30 to minus 35 tonight.

And it could remain in effect for the night of Friday February 14 as well.

Decreasing temperatures can put everyone at risk for cold-related illness or injury, such as frostbite and hypothermia, says the health unit.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit Health warns that risks are greatest for homeless people, outdoor workers and sports enthusiasts, older adults, infants and children, and persons with preexisting medical conditions such as heart or lung disease.

To reduce your risk, they advise you avoid exposure to the cold by covering exposed skin with a hat, gloves, scarf, and take regular breaks from the cold, in warm locations whenever possible.

For more information about cold and its impact on your health, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit simcoemuskokahealth.org.

With the forecasted cold temperatures over the next couple of days, the Town of Gravenhurst reminds residents that if you are suffering from the cold, the Centennial Centre is open to the public during normal hours of operation as a place to warm up.

“We want our residents to know that they have a warm, safe place to go to escape from the cold with the forecasted temperatures,” said Todd Clapp, Gravenhurst Community Emergency Management Coordinator. “With temperatures in the minus twenties, excluding the wind chill forecasted, it’s important to regularly monitor those people that are at the greatest risk, including children and seniors. If you must venture outside remember to dress in layers and to cover exposed skin as well as take regular breaks in a warm place.”

If you need to get inside, the Gravenhurst Centennial Centre was open today, Thursday, from 5:30 a.m. and will close at 11 p.m.

Friday it will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m, and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.