It was another day of bundling up and having to contend with bitterly cold temperatures.

An extreme cold warning issued by Environment Canada remains in effect for nearly all of Ontario.

The statement says an Arctic ridge of high pressure continues to bring cold temperatures and brisk northwesterly winds to Southern Ontario.

Windchill values are expected to drop this evening and overnight to values ranging from minus 35 in urban locations to minus 42 in rural areas.

"Decreasing temperatures can put everyone at risk for cold-related illness or injury, such as frostbite and hypothermia," the Simcoe Muskoa health department said in a press release.

Health risks are greatest for homeless people, outdoor workers and sports enthusiasts, older adults, infants and children, and persons with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart or lung disease.

The health department recommeds to 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.

Municipalities across the region have opened warming centres at town halls, recreation centres and libraries.

The cold snap is not expected to end until Sunday when a southwesterly flow develops.

The extreme cold warning is in effect for:

  • Barrie - Collingwood - Hillsdale
  • Midland - Coldwater - Orr Lake
  • Orillia - Lagoon City - Washago
  • Innisfil - New Tecumseth - Angus
  • Orangeville - Grand Valley - Southern Dufferin County
  • Shelburne - Mansfield - Northern Dufferin County
  • Bracebridge - Gravenhurst
  • Huntsville - Baysville
  • Port Carling - Port Severn
  • Town of Parry Sound - Rosseau - Killbear Park
  • Newmarket - Georgina - Northern York Region
  • Uxbridge - Beaverton - Northern Durham Region
  • Bruce Peninsula - Sauble Beach - Tobermory
  • Hanover - Dundalk - Southern Grey County
  • Owen Sound - Blue Mountains - Northern Grey County
  • Saugeen Shores - Kincardine - Southern Bruce County
  • Caledon

With files from The Canadian Press