It’s a record-breaking cold snap in Windsor.

The temperature recorded at the Windsor International Airport was -21.8 Celsius on Wednesday.

The previous record for Jan. 30 was -20.6C in 1951.

It’s the coldest day since record keeping began in 1940.  

Both Environment Canada and the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit have issued extreme cold warning.

Environment Canada says wind chill values near -30C are expected Wednesday through Friday morning, due to a frigid arctic air mass and strong winds.

 

Health officials are reminding residents to cover up and dress in layers when outside. Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society is also reminding pet owners to protect their animals from the extreme cold.

Conditions should improve Friday as milder air moves into the region.