SIOUX LOOKOUT – WEATHER – In Sioux Lookout, the first days of spring feel anything but warm, with temperatures diving to a chilling -27°C early on March 21, 2024. Clear skies do little to mitigate the cold, leaving locals to contend with a day that feels more akin to the heart of winter.
Here’s what residents can expect from the weather as we head into the weekend.
Today’s Weather Overview
Current Conditions
Sioux Lookout Airport recorded a frigid -27.1°C at 5:00 AM CDT under clear skies. With a dew point of -29.8°C and humidity at 78%, the air feels particularly biting. A gentle south breeze at 3 km/h pushes the wind chill to an even colder -30°C, though visibility remains excellent at 24 km.
Forecast Conditions
The forecast for today promises sunny skies, with winds shifting to the west at 20 km/h by late morning. Temperatures are expected to climb to a high of -8°C, but wind chills of -31°C in the morning and -15°C in the afternoon underscore the continued risk of frostbite. The UV index remains low at 2.
Tonight, the clear conditions persist, with west winds at 20 km/h becoming light in the evening. The temperature will drop to a low of -24°C, and wind chills will fall to -16°C in the evening before plummeting to -31°C overnight, maintaining a significant risk of frostbite.
Friday, March 22, will be sunny again, with northwest winds at 20 km/h gusting to 40 by late morning. The high for the day is forecasted at -10°C, with wind chills reaching -32°C in the morning and -18°C in the afternoon, indicating a persistent frostbite risk. The UV index will be low at 2.
The weekend outlook shows a mix of sun and cloud for Saturday, March 23, with a high of -9°C, followed by a clear night with temperatures dipping to -22°C. Sunday, March 24, promises sunny skies and a high of -7°C, concluding with a clear night and a low of -16°C.
Wardrobe Recommendations
Given the extreme cold and significant risk of frostbite, residents should prioritize wearing multiple layers, including thermal underwear, fleece or wool mid-layers, and a windproof, insulated outer layer. Protective accessories such as gloves, a warm hat, a scarf, and insulated boots are essential to safeguard against the cold.
Weather Trivia
Sioux Lookout has a history of dramatic temperature fluctuations in spring, exemplified in 1997 when a sudden temperature drop from a mild 5°C to -25°C within 24 hours caught residents off-guard, showcasing the unpredictable nature of spring weather in Northwestern Ontario.
