Greenstone/Geraldton Faces Deep Freeze Before a Welcomed Sunday Thaw

Greenstone / Geraldton – WEATHER – Geraldton, and the Municipality of Greenstone is currently experiencing the grip of a particularly cold winter morning. With temperatures plummeting and clear skies overhead, residents are waking up to a landscape blanketed in frost and a biting cold that demands respect and preparation.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions

As of 2:00 AM EDT on Friday, March 22, 2024, Geraldton Airport reports crystal clear skies with a chilling temperature of -25.2°C. The combination of humidity at 75% and a gentle northwest breeze at 4 km/h exacerbates the cold, dropping the wind chill to a numbing -29°C. Visibility remains high at 16 km, showcasing the stark beauty of a winter night in Geraldton.

Friday’s Forecast

The day ahead for Geraldton offers a slight reprieve from the extreme cold of the night but continues the theme of winter’s chill. The forecast anticipates a mix of sun and cloud, with a 40% chance of flurries.

Winds from the west will pick up, gusting to 40 km/h, as temperatures climb to a high of -8°C by the afternoon. However, the morning will feel as cold as -32°C due to wind chill, gradually warming to -15°C.

The risk of frostbite remains a significant concern, underscoring the need for protective clothing and caution.

Extended Forecast:

• Tonight: The skies will remain clear, with west winds calming towards the evening. The low is expected to hit -25°C again, with wind chills making it feel as cold as -32°C overnight.
• Saturday, March 23: A sunny day awaits, with highs slightly less frigid at -5°C. The night will once again plunge into deep cold, with clear skies and lows around -25°C.
• Sunday, March 24: A welcome change is on the horizon as the sun continues to shine and temperatures finally push past the freezing mark to a high of +1°C. However, the evening will bring clouds and a 60% chance of flurries, with lows at -9°C.

Wardrobe Recommendations

In light of the severe cold, dressing in multiple insulating layers is crucial. Focus on a windproof outer layer, thermal undergarments, and accessories like gloves, scarves, and hats designed for extreme cold. Protect any exposed skin to prevent frostbite during this intense cold snap.

Weather Trivia

Geraldton, like much of Northern Ontario, is no stranger to extreme winter conditions. Did you know that the lowest temperature ever recorded in Ontario was -58.3°C in Iroquois Falls on January 23, 1935? While Geraldton’s current temperatures are far from this all-time low, the current cold spell is a reminder of the region’s capacity for breathtaking winter extremes.

As Geraldton transitions from the deep freeze of the next few days to the milder conditions expected by Sunday, residents are reminded to stay prepared, protect themselves from the cold, and look forward to the slight warmth on the horizon.