Thunder Bay – Travel – Overall from Toronto to Thunder Bay excellent driving conditions are expected.
However it is spring, don’t like the weather: Wait a minute. Travellers planning to navigate Highways 11/17, Highway 400, and Highway 100 through Manitoba, Ontario, and the surrounding regions on March 13, 2024, should prepare for a diverse set of weather conditions.
From dense fog in Winnipeg to clear and sunny skies in Thunder Bay, the journey promises to be as varied as the landscapes these highways traverse.
Here’s a comprehensive weather outlook to help ensure a safe and comfortable trip.
Highway 11/17: Thunder Bay to Ontario Border
Thunder Bay Region
- Morning: Mainly clear with temperatures around 1°C, warming up as the day progresses. Travellers should experience pleasant driving conditions with sunny skies. However, the morning wind chill of minus 6 requires some extra layers if you’re stepping out.
- Afternoon: Sunny with a high of 9°C and northwest winds picking up to 20 km/h. Ideal conditions for travel with moderate UV exposure.
- Evening/Night: Clear skies becoming partly cloudy closer to midnight. Temperatures dropping to minus 5°C with a wind chill reaching minus 8 overnight.
Highway 400: Through Ontario
Travellers can generally expect typical March conditions From Toronto, through to Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, similar to those in Thunder Bay.
Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, particularly as you move through different regions.
Daytime travel should be pleasant with clear skies in most areas, but always be cautious of potential evening chills and overnight cloud cover.
Highway 100: In Manitoba
Winnipeg Region
- Early Morning: A fog advisory is in effect, with near-zero visibility in some areas. Freezing fog conditions present with a temperature of -3.3°C, making morning travel hazardous.
- Late Morning to Afternoon: Fog expected to lift, transitioning to mainly cloudy skies. A slight risk of freezing drizzle with temperatures climbing to a high of +3°C. Winds up to 15 km/h.
- Evening/Night: Mainly cloudy with a 30% chance of light snow and developing fog patches. Low of minus 2°C and wind chill around minus 6 overnight.
General Advice for Travellers
- Visibility Concerns: In Winnipeg and potentially along Highway 100, morning fog could significantly reduce visibility. If you’re driving in foggy conditions, slow down, use your fog lights, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Variable Conditions: From sunny skies in Thunder Bay to fog and cloudiness in Winnipeg, be prepared for rapid weather changes. Dress in layers and keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.
- Night Travel: With temperatures dipping below freezing in most regions and potential wind chill factors, ensure your vehicle’s heating system is in good working order. Watch for icy patches on roads, especially in rural areas or overpasses.
Travellers should continuously monitor local weather updates and adjust their plans accordingly. Safe travels as you journey through these beautiful but varying Canadian landscapes!
