Extreme cold for region, record low for Windsor
The previous record was set in 1951
You're going to want to bundle up if you have to leave the house today.
An extreme cold warning is in place for Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton, with prolonged cold wind chills expected.
Environment Canada said a frigid arctic air mass has dropped wind chill values below –30.
"We're expecting that to continue through the day today and into Thursday," said Environment Canada's Dave Rogers about the extreme cold warning.
Windsor broke the cold record for Jan. 30 when the temperature dropped to –21.7 C at 7 a.m.. The previous record was –20.6 C, set in 1951.
Rogers expects the region to break tomorrow's cold record as well, which is also –20.6 C. The forecast low is –27 C.
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SkatingUpdate?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SkatingUpdate</a> Due to the extreme cold, the outdoor rinks at Charles Clark Square and Lanspeary Park are closed today, Wednesday, January 30 and Thursday, January 31. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YQG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YQG</a>
—@CityWindsorONThe City of Windsor has closed outdoor skating rinks for Wednesday due to the extreme cold. Various businesses have also posted closures on social media — give your destination a call before you head out Wednesday or Thursday.
Chatham-Kent roads
Municipality of Chatham-Kent has declared a significant weather event. It's warning residents it might take "longer than usual to bring the condition of the roads back to a state of repair."
Garbage collection at the municipality may also be delayed, but residents are asked to leave the bins out and they will be collected eventually.
Extreme Cold Warning: Warming Centres for CK-Chatham-Kent Public Library Extending Hours. EA prolonged period of cold is expected tonight through to Friday morning, with temperatures ranging from -20°C to -25°C with wind chills between -30°C to -35°C. More info found on Facebook. <a href="https://t.co/8JB9QGcIIK">pic.twitter.com/8JB9QGcIIK</a>
—@MunicCKSpokesperson for the municipality said there's a concern with the public works department for "slippery roads due to high winds and freezing temps."
Warming centres
Chatham-Kent's public library branches are all open Wednesday as warming centres. The municipality is also opening them for Thursday.
There are extended hours at the Merlin, Thamesville, Wallaceburg and Wheatley branches, which are all open until 8 p.m. except Thamesville, which is open until 5 p.m.
The rest of the branches will be operating on their regular hours.
Coldest day of the year in Windsor. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YQG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YQG</a> Please stay warm out there if you have to venture outdoors, and please review these tips for helping those who may be experiencing homelessness: <a href="https://t.co/FdaH2pbm7p">https://t.co/FdaH2pbm7p</a> <a href="https://t.co/Awj8MaU9tN">pic.twitter.com/Awj8MaU9tN</a>
—@CityWindsorONIn Windsor, Downtown Mission reminds people the organization will not turn people away who require shelter.
"There is a concern that people will be left to fend for themselves because of perceived capacity issues at the Downtown Mission. No one, and I mean no one, will be turned away to try and survive in this weather," said executive director Ron Dunn in a news release.
People are also welcome at the 664 Victoria Ave. location between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. for activities and hot meals.