Sault Ste. Marie – NNL WEATHER DESK – As Sault Ste. Marie and the eastern fringes of Lake Superior find themselves under a snow squall warning, residents are waking up to a frosty -17°C morning, accompanied by light snow showers.
The barometric pressure stands at 102.9 and is on the rise, indicating a possible shift in weather patterns.
With a humidity level of 79% and an east-northeast wind blowing at 12 km/h, the wind chill has plummeted to a biting -25°C.
Today’s Forecast: A Brief Respite Before Clear Skies
The morning’s flurries and snow squalls are expected to cease by early afternoon, giving way to cloudy skies with a 40 percent chance of flurries. Localized blowing snow this morning could reduce visibility, making travel challenging.
The wind, initially from the northeast at 30 km/h, will lighten before shifting westward at the same speed this afternoon.
Despite the harsh start, today’s high will approach a relatively milder -6°C, with the wind chill making it feel like -25°C in the morning and -10°C in the afternoon. The UV index remains low at 2.
Into the Night: A Gradual Warm-Up
The skies will partially clear, only to cloud over again near midnight. Winds will shift eastward, reaching speeds of 20 km/h after midnight. Temperatures are forecasted to drop to -8°C, then rise to -5°C by morning, with a wind chill hovering near -14°C.
Looking Ahead: A Promise of Spring?
Friday brings hope with skies clearing and winds turning southward at 20 km/h by late morning. An impressive high of 7°C is anticipated, a stark contrast to the morning’s wind chill of -11°C. The moderate UV index of 3 suggests a brighter day. The night remains clear with a low of -1°C.
Saturday continues the trend with a mix of sun and cloud, maintaining the high at 7°C, while the night is expected to be clear with a low of +2°C.
Snow Squall Warning: A Call for Caution
Issued at 11:02 PM EST on Wednesday, 28 February 2024, the snow squall warning forecasts continuing squalls into Thursday morning, with potential snowfall accumulations ranging from 15 to 30 cm.
The squalls will bring significantly reduced visibility, making travel hazardous in some areas. The advisory suggests postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve, as snow squalls cause rapid and severe weather changes.
Wardrobe Recommendations:
Given the fluctuating temperatures and snow squall conditions, layering is key. A thermal base layer, followed by a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer will keep you warm and dry. Don’t forget your hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect against the biting wind chill.
Weather Trivia:
Did you know that Sault Ste. Marie is one of the snowiest cities in Canada, experiencing an average of over 300 cm of snow each year? This snowfall is largely due to its geographical location near Lake Superior, which influences local weather patterns through lake-effect snow.
