Cold Weather Advisory: Jan. 23, 2026
The Ottawa region is forecast to experience extremely cold temperatures the evening of Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, and into the weekend with temperatures as low as -35 degrees Celsius with the wind chill. Such conditions present increased risks to personal health and may result in damage to campus infrastructure. Carleton University urges all community members to exercise vigilance and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Safety Measures for the Campus Community
- Limit time spent outdoors during extreme cold conditions.
- Ensure that all exterior windows and doors remain fully closed to conserve heat and help prevent frozen pipes.
- Immediately report any building entrance doors that fail to close properly to Facilities Management and Planning (FMP) at FMP.Service.Centre@cunet.carleton.ca
- Report any signs of water leaks to FMP without delay.
- For urgent matters requiring immediate response, contact Campus Safety Services at 613-520-4444.
Health Risks Associated with Extreme Cold
Exposure to very low temperatures can lead to serious health effects, including:
- Hypothermia – A dangerous drop in core body temperature that can become life‑threatening without prompt medical attention.
- Frostbite – Freezing of exposed skin, particularly affecting the fingers, toes, nose and ears, which may result in long‑term tissue damage.
For any health concerns, call Campus Safety Services at 613-520-4444
Protective Measures for Individuals Working Outdoors
For individuals whose duties require outdoor work, the following precautions are strongly recommended:
- Dress in multiple layers of warm, insulating clothing, including a wind‑resistant outer layer.
- Keep all skin covered to reduce the risk of frostbite.
- Wear a hat, insulated gloves or mittens, a scarf or face covering and insulated, waterproof footwear.
- Stay dry by adjusting layers to prevent excessive sweating.
- Maintain physical activity to support body heat.
- Follow a structured work/rest schedule, ensuring breaks occur in a warm, sheltered environment.
- Consider postponing or cancelling outdoor activities when temperatures or wind chill values reach extreme levels.
Additional Resources
For further information and guidance, please consult the following resources:
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) – Working in the Cold: CCOHS: Temperature Conditions – Cold
City of Ottawa – Extremely Cold Temperatures Advisory: Extremely cold temperatures expected this weekend | City of Ottawa
Ottawa Public Health – Cold Weather Information: Cold Weather – Ottawa Public Health