THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – The extreme cold that has held Northwestern Ontario in a tight grip could be weakening. Environment Canada is forecasting that temperatures in the region are going to get a little warmer.
The weather over December and into January has caused some serious slowdowns in outdoor activities for many people. Over the Christmas break, Loch Lomond was closed for a couple of days. Skating and sliding at outdoor venues has meant far shorter times for kids to get out and have fun. Shipping on Lake Superior has seen an earlier end to the season due to heavy ice. Efforts at ice-breaking have not been able to keep up with temperatures in the minus 20 to minus 30 ranges.
The cold weather has reached deep into the south as well. Toronto has been experiencing extreme cold alerts and the city’s efforts to ensure that at-risk people, especially homeless people are safe has led to opening more shelter spaces. In Thunder Bay reports have both the Salvation Army and Shelter House being full most nights through the cold stretch.
If you are planning outdoor activities over the next few days, once you are through Saturday, the weather service is saying the temperatures will make those activities far more enjoyable. By Sunday the high will be a “balmy” minus 6 during the day. Those more seasonable temperatures will continue into the week.
Lets hope for our winter smiles that Environment Canada has nailed this forecast.
