Strong winds and falling temperatures mark turbulent start to the week in Windsor-Essex

(Source: Environment Canada)

Windsor-Essex is facing a dramatic shift in weather conditions today as strong winds, early-morning showers and rapidly falling temperatures move through the region.

There is a wind warning in effect through this afternoon with winds expected to develop this morning with the passage of a cold front.

Motorists are advised to use caution during periods of high wind, particularly early Monday, and to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions as winter briefly reasserts itself before springlike temperatures return later in the week.

Showers are expected to end early Monday morning, giving way to cloudy skies. There is also a risk of a thunderstorm during the morning hours.

PHOTO GALLERY: Windsor-Essex wind damage

Winds will be a major factor, beginning from the south at 40 km/h with gusts up to 70 km/h, before strengthening further as they shift to the southwest. Gusts could reach 90 km/h early this morning, then gradually ease as winds turn west later in the afternoon.

Temperatures will fall steadily throughout the day, dropping to around 1 C by the afternoon, despite starting off much milder.

Conditions remain unsettled tonight, with mainly cloudy skies and a 40 per cent chance of flurries. West winds will continue to gust up to 70 km/h, helping push temperatures down to a low of –6 C. Wind chill values could make it feel closer to –16 overnight.

Tuesday stays on the colder side, with mainly cloudy skies and another 40 per cent chance of flurries. Gusty northwest winds up to 70 km/h will persist through the morning before easing later in the day. The high will reach –2 C, with wind chills near –16 in the morning and –9 by the afternoon.

Here’s a look at the rest of the forecast

Monday: Showers ending this morning then cloudy. Risk of a thunderstorm this morning. Wind south 40 km/h gusting to 70 becoming southwest 60 gusting to 90 early this morning then west 40 gusting to 70 late this afternoon. Temperature falling to plus 1 this afternoon.

Monday Night: Mainly cloudy with 40 per cent chance of flurries. Wind west 40 km/h gusting to 70. Low minus 6. Wind chill minus 16 overnight.

Tuesday: Mainly cloudy with 40 per cent chance of flurries. Wind northwest 50 km/h gusting to 70 diminishing to 30 gusting to 50 in the morning. High minus 2. Wind chill minus 16 in the morning and minus 9 in the afternoon.

Wednesday: Cloudy. High plus 3.

Thursday: Periods of rain. High 8.

Friday: Cloudy. High 9.