How could there have been so much sunshine and so little warmth?

That's just one of many questions GTA residents had on Tuesday, as the coldest day of the year forced residents to walk a little faster, breathe a little harder and dream a little stronger about the coming of spring.

Temperatures in some areas of the city hit a jaw clenching wind chill of -30 to -35 at its worst.

There simply weren't enough layers to keep anyone outside for even a few minutes warm. Hands, toes, faces and anything else that was sticking out in the cold were all in danger of frostbite.

Exposed flesh at these temperatures can freeze in less than 10 minutes.

The city extended its extreme cold weather alert, designed to help the homeless get off the streets in these potentially lethal conditions. Call 1-866-392-3777 if you see anyone in trouble.

And if you think you hate this weather, imagine how it's playing with those who grew up in warmer climates. "I'm from Trinidad so I'm from a hot country so I don't like this," complains one transplanted Islander. 

The good news - it's not going to last much longer. Moderating temperatures are on the way and by the weekend we could be back to more normal levels of 3 or 4 degrees Celsius.

That may not sound like much. But given the fact we've just emerged from the coldest February in three decades and the frostiest day of the winter, that seems a lot like a veritable heatwave.

To see the latest forecast, click here.