Southwestern Ontario is bracing for a severe cold snap this weekend, with Environment Canada issuing warnings for extreme wind chill and blowing snow across the region. A "prolonged period" of frigid temperatures began Friday night, with wind chill values expected to reach -30 to -35 overnight and potentially recurring Saturday evening into Sunday morning. The warning is in effect for areas including Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Sarnia-Lambton.
Environment Canada is also warning of blowing snow, particularly near the Lake Huron shore, with strong northwesterly winds gusting up to 80 km/h expected to reduce visibility significantly. "For those exposed areas, particularly near the Lake Huron shore, visibility is going to be atrocious," said Trudy Kidd, a meteorologist with Environment Canada. "Travel will be very dangerous. It's best to avoid it, if possible". Several road closures have already been reported due to severe weather and poor visibility.
The extreme cold poses a risk to everyone, but young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, those working or exercising outdoors, and individuals without proper shelter are particularly vulnerable. Environment Canada advises residents to watch for cold-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain, and numbness or color change in fingers and toes. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin in such conditions. Residents are encouraged to check on older family, friends, and neighbours and to keep emergency supplies in their vehicles.
Environment Canada urges residents to monitor weather alerts and forecasts and to report severe weather via email to ONstorm@ec. gc. ca or by using #ONStorm on X.
