Environment Canada issues warning as Windsor sees coldest temperatures so far this winter

Temperatures in Windsor and Essex County reached as low as -30 C with the wind chill Monday morning, prompting Environment Canada to issue an extreme cold warning for the region.

Temperatures dipped as low as -18.5 C, the agency says, and with winds up to 30 kilometres per hour, the wind chill dropped as low as -30 C.

Monday is the coldest day Windsorites have seen this winter: Environment Canada temperature data shows that the previous lowest temperature was -8 C on Sunday, and before that, -7.3 C in late November.

Environment Canada warns that the risk of extreme cold is greater to children, seniors, people with chronic illnesses, people working outdoors and those without adequate shelter.

"Watch for cold-related symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness and colour change in fingers and toes," Environment Canada warns.

People should dress in warm layers with a waterproof outer layer, and remember to keep pets indoors.

Windsor's Downtown Mission has spaces for people to keep warm: During the day, the mission's dining hall is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Overnight shelter is available between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. A warming centre is also available overnight from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. through March.

The exterior of the Downtown Mission is pictured in a July 2023 file photo. The Downtown Mission has warming space available as temperatures in Windsor drop. (Mike Evans/CBC)

The Windsor Youth Centre has space available from noon to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and warming spaces are also available at the Housing and Homelessness Help Hub at 400 Wyandotte Street during the day.

The Welcome Centre Shelter for Women has warming centre space available for women overnight at 500 Tuscarora St.