Colder Than Siberia: Ontario Is One of the Coldest Places on Earth This Weekend 🥶❄️

Why Ontario Is So Cold Right Now

The polar vortex is the main reason behind this historic deep freeze.

The polar vortex is a large area of extremely cold air that circulates high above the Arctic. During winter, shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind patterns can cause parts of this system to weaken or stretch, allowing Arctic air to spill south into Canada and the United States.

This week, that shift placed Ontario directly under the coldest core of the air mass, creating conditions colder than many parts of Siberia. Temperatures across the province are running 18°F to 36°F (10°C to 20°C) below seasonal averages, an unusually large departure from normal.

Some notable forecasts include:

• Ottawa: Overnight lows near -18°F to -22°F (-28°C to -30°C)

• Toronto: Lows near -11°F (-24°C), potentially the coldest in nearly a decade

• Northern Ontario: Base temperatures dropping below -42°F (-41°C) in some locations

Weather data shows that several of the coldest inhabited places on Earth right now are in Ontario.

How Rare Is This Cold Wave in Canada?

Meteorologists say this is one of the most intense cold outbreaks Ontario has experienced in years.

Several records are at risk:

• Ottawa could see its coldest daytime high since 2014

• Toronto could record its coldest daytime high since 2018

• Parts of Ontario are experiencing their coldest air mass in nearly a decade

What makes this event stand out is its scale. The Arctic air is not limited to one region. It spans much of Canada, with wind chills reaching -40°F to -58°F (-40°C to -50°C) across multiple provinces.

What This Means for Daily Life in Ontario

This level of cold affects nearly every aspect of daily life. Authorities have issued widespread extreme cold warnings, urging residents to limit time outdoors. Cities have opened warming centers, and emergency services are preparing for increased calls related to cold exposure.

Potential impacts include:

• High risk of frostbite and hypothermia, sometimes within minutes

• Dangerous driving conditions due to snow squalls and blowing snow

• Strain on power grids and heating systems

• Transportation delays and school disruptions

Meteorologists also warn that another winter storm system could follow, as warmer air collides with the Arctic outbreak, potentially bringing heavy snowfall to parts of Ontario.

Is Climate Change Linked to the Polar Vortex?

Scientists continue to study the connection between climate change and polar vortex disruptions. Some researchers suggest that rapid Arctic warming may weaken the temperature difference between the Arctic and lower latitudes, making the polar vortex more unstable. This could increase the chances of extreme cold outbreaks reaching southern regions.

Others caution that the relationship is complex and still under active research. What is clear is that weather extremes of all kinds, including heat waves, floods, and severe cold snaps, are becoming more noticeable across North America.

How Long Will the Extreme Cold Last?

Forecasts show the extreme cold persisting through the weekend and into early next week.

While temperatures may moderate slightly afterward, meteorologists warn that additional Arctic outbreaks remain possible later in February. For now, Ontario remains firmly in the grip of a prolonged and dangerous cold event.

How to Stay Safe During Extreme Cold

When temperatures drop this low, preparation matters.

• Wear multiple insulating layers made from wool or synthetic fabrics

• Cover all exposed skin, including ears, nose, fingers, and cheeks

• Use insulated boots and gloves that are not too tight

• Limit time outdoors, especially during strong winds

• Stay dry and change wet clothing immediately

• Drink warm fluids and eat high-energy foods

• Avoid alcohol, which increases heat loss

• Check on older adults, children, and neighbors

• Keep pets indoors whenever possible

• Carry emergency supplies if traveling

Even short exposure can be dangerous when wind chills fall below -40°F (-40°C).

FAQ: Ontario Extreme Cold and the Polar Vortex

Is Ontario really colder than Siberia right now?


In some cases, yes. Meteorologists say the coldest air mass on the planet is currently centered over Ontario. While parts of Siberia and Antarctica can be colder overall, Ontario is among the coldest inhabited regions on Earth this week.

How cold will it actually get?


Mid-level atmospheric temperatures are near -58°F (-50°C). Surface wind chills in parts of Ontario could feel like -49°F to -58°F (-45°C to -50°C).

What is the polar vortex?

The polar vortex is a large system of cold air and strong winds that circles the Arctic. When it shifts or weakens, Arctic air can move south and bring extreme cold to Canada and the U.S.

How dangerous is this cold?


Very. Frostbite can occur in minutes, and prolonged exposure increases the risk of hypothermia, accidents, and infrastructure failures.

How long will this cold snap last?


The current outbreak is expected to last several days, with the possibility of more Arctic air later in the month.