The region is under its first extreme cold weather alert of the year this weekend.
Environment Canada is forecasting an overnight low of -18 C (0 F). Saturday's forecast is a high of -11 C (12 F) but with the wind chill it could feel more like -27 C (-16 F). The extreme weather alert will stay in effect until overnight Saturday.
All health units monitor Environment Canada forecasts and use the same standards when issuing cold weather alerts.
"When Environment Canada predicts that the temperature will be -15 C without the windchill [we issue an extreme cold alert] and we would issue an extreme cold alert when Environment Canada predicts the temperature to be -27 C with the windchill," says Stephanie Pongragz with the Windsor-Essex Health Unit.
When extreme cold hits the two major health concerns are frost bite and hypothermia.
"Symptoms of hypothermia include pale skin, lethargy, or confusion. In the initial stages a person may shiver a lot but as their body temperature drops, shivering may also decrease," says Dave Mcintosh with the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.
Residents are encouraged to dress in layers and stay as dry as possible if they are enjoying outdoor activities.
"It's important to remember that frostbite can happen in less than a minute so cover as much exposed skin as possible. For people with heart disease or high blood pressure they should avoid strenuous activities outdoors," says Pongragz.
Both health units recommend people seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.