THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Thunder Bay ushers in the final day of the Ontario Winter Games under mostly cloudy skies, with a brisk start at 7:30 am. The barometer, sitting at 101.1 kPa, is on a downward trend, and humidity is high at 82%.
Despite light winds from the west at 5 km/h, the wind chill plunges the felt temperature to a biting -15°C, signalling a frosty morning start for athletes and spectators alike at Fort William Gardens for the hockey medal round.
Morning Forecast: A Cold Start with Snow Showers
The day will see a mix of sun and cloud, with snow beginning this morning and tapering off by the afternoon. A total of 5 cm of snow is expected, with winds shifting to the southeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 near noon, then easing off.
Temperatures will rise to a high of +3°C, but the morning wind chill will feel as cold as -16°C, making for a chilly start to the day’s events.
Lake Superior’s Effect: A Slight Weather Reprieve
Despite the forecast for falling temperatures across the region, Lake Superior continues to play its protective role, moderating the weather slightly for Thunder Bay.
This natural effect provides a slight buffer against the more extreme cold, offering a bit of comfort for those participating in or watching the final day of the Winter Games.
Looking Ahead: Temperatures Take a Dip
Tonight, expect only a few clouds with light winds up to 15 km/h and a low of -4°C, with the wind chill reaching -8°C overnight. Tuesday brings increasing cloudiness in the morning and a 60 percent chance of snow in the afternoon.
Winds will shift, becoming northeast at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 in the morning, then turning northwest with similar gusts in the afternoon. The high will start at zero but will fall to -9°C in the afternoon, with an afternoon wind chill of -23°C. The UV index remains low at 1.
As we move into Wednesday, a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 percent chance of flurries is expected, with a high of -10°C and a clear night at a low of -24°C.
This marks a significant drop in temperature, emphasizing the need for residents and visitors to stay prepared for the cold, especially as the Ontario Winter Games come to a close.
