Weather Forecast for Northern Communities: Deep Freeze Continues

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North Star Air - Logan Baird, First Officer, Pilatus PC12
North Star Air - Logan Baird, First Officer, Pilatus PC12

Weather Forecast for Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Oji-Cree: ᑭᐦᒋᓇᒣᑯᐦᓯᑊ ᐃᓂᓂᐧᐊᐠ, Bearskin Lake First Nation (Severn Ojibwa: ᒥᒋᑲᐣ ᓴᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ), Sachigo Lake First Nation (Severn Ojibwa: ᓴᒋᑯ ᓴᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ), Kasabonika First Nation (Oji-Cree: ᑳᐦᓴᐹᓇᐦᑳ ᓂᐣᑕᒻ ᐊᓂᐦᕈᓂᓂᐧᐗᐠ , Sandy Lake First Nation (or ᓀᑲᣞ ᓵᑲᐦᐃᑲᓃᐣᐠ for March 21, 2024.

As the sun rises over Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and surrounding First Nations communities on March 21, 2024, the weather remains firmly in winter’s grip.

With current temperatures at a frigid -27°C early in the morning, the clear skies overhead at Big Trout Lake Airport offer little warmth to the residents below.

Let’s take a closer look at the weather forecast for these communities as they endure the cold.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions

As of 5:45 AM CDT, the temperature stands at -27.0°C under clear skies. The dew point is at -29.5°C, indicating very dry air, with humidity at 79%. West winds are blowing at 13 km/h, creating a biting wind chill of -37°C. Visibility is good at 16 km, suggesting clear conditions for the day.

Forecast into Weekend

Today, the weather will shift between sun and cloud, with winds strengthening to 20 km/h from the west by late morning. Despite the sunlight, temperatures will only reach a high of -14°C, with wind chills plummeting to -39°C in the morning and -23°C in the afternoon. The risk of frostbite is significant today, and the UV index is low at 2.

Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies with west winds continuing at 20 km/h before becoming light in the evening. Temperatures are forecasted to drop to -28°C, with wind chills of -24°C in the evening and -37°C overnight, again posing a risk of frostbite.

Friday, March 22, will see a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 percent chance of afternoon flurries. Winds will be west at 20 km/h by late morning. The high is expected to be -15°C, with morning wind chills around -37°C and -24°C in the afternoon. The UV index remains low at 2.

The weekend brings a respite from the clouds but not the cold, with sunny skies predicted for both Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24. Highs will hover around -12°C and -11°C, respectively, with nighttime lows dipping to -26°C and -25°C. Clear skies will persist into the night.

Wardrobe Recommendations

Given the extreme cold and consistent risk of frostbite, it is crucial for residents to dress in heavy layers. Thermal base layers, followed by fleece or wool insulating layers, and a windproof, waterproof outer shell are recommended. Protect extremities with insulated gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf.

Weather Trivia

These northern communities are no strangers to harsh winter conditions extending into spring. The record for the lowest March temperature was set in 1996, when thermometers dropped to -40°C, highlighting the extreme weather resilience of the people living in these areas.

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