Hamilton’s medical officer of health issued a cold weather warning starting Monday night, hours before Environment Canada issued a squall warning for the city.

A Cold Weather Warning is issued when current or projected weather conditions are below -15 degrees, or below -20 degrees with wind chill.

People are being reminded that exposure to cold weather can have negative health effects.

“Winds always make you feel colder and increase your risk of frostbite and hypothermia,” the warning says. “During extreme cold weather conditions, call, visit, and check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors.”

According to the alert, the City of Hamilton notified local agencies that work with vulnerable people and people experiencing homelessness.

The City of Hamilton Recreation Center and Hamilton Public Library branch will be available as heated spaces during normal business hours.

Some accommodation spaces are also available.

The best place to be when a cold weather warning is in place is indoors, and medical officers say if you need to be outdoors, you should:

• Please dress in layers. Keep the inner layer dry. Wet clothing increases the risk of cold-related injuries.

• Protect your face, ears, and hands with a scarf, hat, and gloves.

• Socks must be dry to protect your feet. Wool is a great material for keeping your feet dry.

• Drink hot drinks, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

• Avoid strenuous exercise.

This cold weather warning will remain in effect until a cancellation notice is issued.

Squall warning for Hamilton

Just before 1 p.m., Environment Canada issued a yellow snow squall warning for Hamilton.

Yellow is the second most severe of Environment Canada’s three color-coded warnings, behind red and orange, which are the most severe.

The agency warned that heavy snowfall is expected over a short period of time, and that the combination of heavy snow and blizzard conditions will rapidly reduce visibility.

“Travel is likely to be hazardous. Visibility may suddenly drop to near zero,” Environment Canada said. “Rush hour traffic could be significantly impacted.”

He said people should prepare for rapid changes and deterioration in travel conditions.

The forecast calls for several storms in Hamilton today, with highs of -8C. The expected temperature tonight is -15 degrees. The wind chill will be -21 degrees tonight and -26 degrees tonight.