THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Winter is hitting the start of 2015 like a bear hits honey. Winter Weather will make it a snowy or cold weekend for the start of 2015. There are extreme cold warnings issued by Environment Canada for the far north, and for the southern section of Northwestern Ontario, it is heavy snowfall warnings.
Environment Canada has issued the updated warnings January 2nd 2015.
A low pressure system from the Prairies will be intensifying as it tracks over the northern Plains States tonight. Snow associated with this system is forecast to begin over Northwestern Ontario this evening and over areas near Lake Superior overnight. Snowfall amounts near 15 cm are expected with up to 20 cm possible for areas near the Minnesota border. The snow is forecast to taper off from west to east on Saturday.
Snowfall Warnings:
- Thunder Bay
- Nipigon
- Dryden
- Kenora
- Fort Frances – Atikokan
- Ignace
- Superior West
For the far north, cold temperatures, with windchill values at the -40c range are expected. Very cold wind chill values in the low minus 40s will improve somewhat through the day today, but are expected to then plummet to near or below minus 45 tonight and into Saturday morning.
Extreme Cold Warnings:
- Fort Severn
- Webiquie
- Sachigo Lake
- Muskrat Dam
- Peawanuck
Watch for cold related symptoms and complaints which include:
– Respiratory: shortness of breath, wheezing and cough
– Cardiovascular: chest pain and arrhythmias
– Circulation: colour change of finger and toes, pain, numbness and tickling sensation in extremities
– Muscle: pain, stiffness, swelling, restricted movement, weakness
– Skin: itching, pale.
If you experience these symptoms when exposed to the cold, move indoors and begin warming.
Wear appropriate clothing.
– Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keep you dry and further reduce your risk.
– Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.
– Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.
– If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you’re wet.