THUNDER BAY – Winter in Northern Ontario this year could be called “Yo-Yo Weather”. Temperatures have climbed overnight and it is now snowing in the city. In Thunder Bay, snow picked up at about 6:15AM and is now falling fairly steadily.
Environment Canada reports, “Snow has arrived over most of the district this morning and will continue through tonight into Monday as the low reaches Lake Superior. Accumulations of near 5 cm are likely over the regions. West of Lake Superior. Snowfall amounts of 15 to 20 cm are Expected over north Central Ontario tonight into Monday, and a snowfall warning has been issued for these regions. Snow amounts of 5 to 10 cm are possible over parts of Northeastern Ontario.
Over regions east of Lake Superior and near the Nickel Belt, precipitation may start out as some snow or ice pellets, but is expected to change through a period of freezing rain to rain on Monday. Freezing rain warnings may eventually be required for parts of Northeastern Ontario should a well organized band of freezing Rain develop. Freezing rain will be relatively brief near the north shore of Lake Huron, but may be more prolonged further north on Monday.
North of the city in Nipigon there is a snowfall warning issued by Environment Canada. Heavy snow today and again Monday is in the forecast for Nipigon and Rossport.
EC states, “A low pressure system from Colorado will track northeastward to affect Northern Ontario today and Monday. The system is expected to deepen and as a result will bring heavy snow with total snowfall amounts of near 15 cm into the warned regions by this evening. Higher amounts are possible along the north shore of Lake Superior where a cold southerly flow off of the lake will enhance snow amounts.”
The snow is expected to diminish somewhat tonight, with most areas receiving another 5 cm, but as the low reaches Lake Superior Monday, snow will intensify again with an additional 10 to 15 cm expected.
Snow will gradually taper off Tuesday as the low moves northeast towards Southern James Bay into Quebec.
Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions due to accumulating snow on untreated roads and very low visibility in areas of heavier snow. Additionally stronger winds in exposed regions near the north shore of Lake Superior may cause blowing snow with very low visibilities today.