Residents in Renfrew County, Ontario, are being told to prepare for dangerously cold weather as an extreme cold warning is expected to remain in effect through the morning of Saturday, February 14, 2026. With wind chill values reaching about −35°C in parts of the county, local authorities are urging everyone to limit time outdoors and check on vulnerable neighbours.
The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) warns that, at wind-chill values near −35°C, exposed skin can develop frostbite in about 10 minutes or less. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is monitoring the long stretch of cold air — ECCC issues extreme cold warnings when region-specific wind-chill thresholds (in eastern Ontario, typically −35°C) are expected to persist for at least two hours.
Health officials and Environment Canada advise dressing in warm layers, covering exposed skin and avoiding unnecessary outdoor activity. To help those most at risk, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service is deploying its community paramedicine teams to visit high-risk seniors and check that heating systems are working and health needs are met; the service is led by Michael Nolan, Director of Emergency Services and Chief of the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service.
This deep freeze can also cause problems for home heating, water pipes and municipal winter maintenance across the county. Public health and municipal officials are advising residents to monitor their heating equipment, check on neighbours, and follow updates from RCDHU, the County of Renfrew and Environment Canada until conditions ease.
For safety guidance, see the Renfrew County and District Health Unit media release and Environment Canada’s cold-weather guidance and wind-chill information.
