It’s going to be bitterly cold outside overnight on Saturday, although we will remain just under the threshold for an official cold warning from the health unit.
According to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), a cold warning is issued when the temperature reaches -15 degrees Celsius without wind chill for one day.
Tonight, temperatures are expected to plummet to a chilling -13 without windchill, and although that doesn’t hit the threshold, remaining aware of safe practices in extreme cold is still important.
To avoid cold related injuries, the WECHU recommends:
- Dress warmly and cover your skin leaving as little exposed as possible
- If you’re sweating, remove outer layers to remain dry
- Keep moving – especially your extremities, this will help maintain body heat
- Look for shelter especially when windchill is high
- Minimize time outdoors
- Prepare your home for extreme cold by minimizing drafts, and ensuring that your heating system is working properly
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
- Check in on friends and family
- Watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia
To plan ahead, keeping an eye on the forecast is a good idea.
Here’s a look at your Windsor and area forecast:
Today: Sunny. Wind northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40. High minus 5 degrees. Wind chill near minus 16 degrees. UV index 1 or low.
Tonight: Clear. Wind northwest 20 km/h becoming light early this evening. Low minus 13 degrees. Wind chill near minus 16.
Sunday: Sunny. Wind up to 15 km/h. High minus 4 degrees. Wind chill minus 16 in the morning and minus 6 in the afternoon.
Monday: Cloudy with 40 per cent chance of flurries. High plus 2.
Tuesday: Cloudy with 40 per cent chance of flurries or rain showers. High plus 3.
Wednesday (Christmas Day): Cloudy. High plus 2.
Thursday: Cloudy. High plus 4 degrees.
Friday: Cloudy with 30 per cent chance of showers. High 6 degrees.
