Sioux Lookout – WEATHER – Sioux Lookout and the surrounding region are under a snowfall warning as of early this morning. The community is facing a severe winter weather event that promises to bring substantial snowfall, blowing snow, and plummeting temperatures, making travel and outdoor activities hazardous.
The weather could impact flight operations at the Sioux Lookout airport as well as highway travel on area roadways and highways.
Current Weather Conditions: A Cold Start
At 6:00 AM CST, Sioux Lookout reported light snow with a temperature of -14°C. The barometer, reading at 100.3 kPa, indicates rising pressure, suggesting the weather system’s intensification.
High humidity levels at 87% coupled with north-northeast winds gusting from 14 to 31 km/h have resulted in a wind chill of -22°C, adding a biting cold to the already frosty atmosphere.
Today’s Snowfall: Heavy and Unrelenting
The forecast for today warns of heavy snow at times, with local blowing snow significantly reducing visibility and making travel challenging.
Snow accumulations are expected to reach 15 to 25 cm, propelled by north winds at 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.
As temperatures fall to -19°C this afternoon, the wind chill will hover near -30°C, elevating the risk of frostbite for anyone caught unprepared. The UV index remains low at 1, reflecting the limited sunlight penetration through the heavy cloud cover.
Tonight: A Brief Respite
Snowfall is expected to ease near midnight, transitioning to cloudy skies. However, local blowing snow will continue to pose challenges, with an additional 2 cm of snow expected.
The north wind will slightly decrease to 20 km/h but will still gust up to 40 km/h. Overnight temperatures are forecasted to drop to -27°C, with wind chills making it feel as cold as -38°C, further increasing the frostbite risk.
Forecast for Wednesday and Beyond
Wednesday will bring mainly sunny skies, providing a brief respite from the snow. Winds from the northwest at 20 km/h will become lighter in the afternoon, with a high of -17°C. However, the morning wind chill is predicted to reach a frigid -39°C, slowly warming to -25°C in the afternoon.
The night will be clear with temperatures dropping to -29°C. Thursday offers a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 percent chance of flurries and a high of -13°C, followed by cloudy skies and a low of -13°C at night.
Snowfall Warning Details
The snowfall warning highlights the expectation of 15 to 20 cm of snow, with possible rates of 3 to 5 cm per hour, leading to reduced visibility and hazardous travel conditions. The snow, beginning early this morning near the U.S. border, will spread northeastward, tapering off tonight and into Wednesday for areas further northeast.
Safety and Preparedness
Residents and travellers in Sioux Lookout are urged to exercise caution and adjust plans accordingly. The heavy snowfall and blowing snow will make travel difficult, if not impossible, in some areas. Staying informed on road conditions, preparing emergency kits, and avoiding unnecessary travel are key steps in ensuring safety during this significant winter weather event.
Weather Trivia: Sioux Lookout’s Winter Resilience
Known as the “Hub of the North,” Sioux Lookout’s geographic location makes it susceptible to severe winter weather patterns, including heavy snowfalls and extreme cold. The community’s resilience in the face of these challenges is a testament to its preparedness and adaptability, ensuring life continues despite the winter’s harshness.
