Is this Hamilton’s coldest January ever? Not even close

Hamilton’s issuing of one other chilly climate alert Tuesday — its fifth this month — might need some residents asking: Is that this our coldest January in current reminiscence?

Surprisingly, it’s removed from it, in response to Atmosphere Canada meteorologist Gerald Cheng.

The typical imply temperature of -6.3 C this month barely cracks Hamilton’s top-25 coldest January’s courting again to 1959, mentioned Cheng, including the bottom common imply temperature recorded was in 1994 at -10.3 C.

In the meantime, current nighttime lows within the metropolis additionally lag traditionally.

The typical nighttime low in January 2022 ranks twelfth all-time at -11.4 C, with 2014 and 2015 — at -12.4 C and -11.8 C, respectively — every edging into the top-10. The coldest common nighttime low for January was additionally in 1994 at a frigid -19.8 C.

Cheng admits it’s been chilly this month — however a traditional sort of chilly. What’s modified, maybe, is our notion of the chilly given the current string of hotter winters, he mentioned.

“We had been spoiled rotten in December,” mentioned Cheng. “Our notion of chilly is completely different as a result of it’s at all times that first occasion that will get individuals — whether or not it’s snow or warmth.

Certainly, in comparison with January, December was scorching with a imply common temperature simply shy of 1 C. Folks get accustomed to that climate, mentioned Cheng, and wish to regulate when an actual chilly entrance hit.

“You’re not used to it,” he mentioned. “And popping out of December, an above regular month, individuals weren’t used to (this week’s) chilly, even when it’s regular.”

Atmosphere Canada forecasted temperatures to fall to -20 C in a single day and -24 with the wind chill Tuesday, with an opportunity of flurries over the subsequent few days.

It prompted Hamilton’s medical officer of well being to situation its third chilly climate alert prior to now 5 days.

The alert — issued anytime temperatures are at or under -15 C or -20 with the wind chill — will stay energetic till a cancellation discover is issued.

Residents are reminded by public well being to examine on weak household, mates and neighbours locally as publicity to chilly climate could be dangerous and the wind at all times makes it really feel colder, rising the chance of frostbite and hypothermia.

In a launch, the town mentioned businesses working with individuals experiencing homelessness or who're weak have been notified of the alert to allow them to activate chilly climate procedures.

Through the alert, Bennetto Recreation Centre at 450 Hughson St. N. is open from 5 p.m. till midday the next day as an in a single day warming centre. Town has additionally made obtainable the next daytime warming centres, that are open from midday till 7 p.m.:

• Dominic Agostino Riverdale Neighborhood Centre, 150 Violet Dr.;

• Huntington Park Recreation Centre, 87 Brentwood Dr.;

• Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre, 192 Wentworth St. N.;

• and Westmount Recreation Centre, 35 Lynbrook Dr.

The Hub at 78 Vine St. and Wesley Day Centre at 52 Catharine St. N. are additionally open with prolonged hours throughout a chilly alert.

Members of the general public can report the placement of an individual in want of shelter to the Salvation Military at 905-527-1444, ext. 0.