Thunder Bay – WEATHER – As November transitions into December, Northern Ontario’s First Nation communities brace for typical early winter conditions. Here’s a comprehensive weather forecast for Marten Falls, Wasaho Cree Nation (Fort Severn), Fort Hope, Sachigo Lake, KI (Big Trout Lake), Sandy Lake, Pikangikum, Cat Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Neskantaga (Lansdowne House), Summer Beaver, Peawanuck, and Attawapiskat.
Marten Falls (Ogoki Post)
Current Conditions: Cloudy with light snow, temperature at -4°C. Barometric pressure is 1012 hPa and falling. Winds are from the northwest at 15 km/h.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:24 AM; sunset at 4:24 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Cloudy with light snow in the afternoon, accumulating up to 1 cm. High of -2°C, low of -4°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Cloudy with a couple of snow showers, totaling 1–2 cm. High of -2°C, low of -10°C.
- Monday, December 2: Morning snow, adding up to 1 cm; otherwise, cloudy and colder. High of -8°C, low of -18°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Low clouds with possible sunshine, cold. High of -11°C, low of -21°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Layer up with insulated jackets, gloves, and hats to combat the biting cold and wind chills.
Weather Trivia: Marten Falls often experiences its first significant snowfall by late November, marking the true onset of winter.
Wasaho Cree Nation (Fort Severn)
Current Conditions: Cloudy, temperature at -1°C. Barometric pressure is 1018 hPa and steady. Winds are from the northeast at 20 km/h.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:23 AM; sunset at 4:15 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Breezy with periods of snow, accumulating 2–4 cm. High of 0°C, low of -2°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Morning snow adding 1–3 cm; otherwise, cloudy and windy. High of -1°C, low of -13°C.
- Monday, December 2: Breezy morning; remaining cloudy and colder. High of -9°C, low of -19°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Partly sunny and cold. High of -15°C, low of -20°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Heavy winter coats, thermal layers, and windproof accessories are essential to withstand the frigid temperatures and brisk winds.
Weather Trivia: Fort Severn, Ontario’s northernmost community, often experiences early and prolonged winters due to its subarctic climate.
Fort Hope (Eabametoong)
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy, temperature at -5°C. Barometric pressure is 1015 hPa and steady. Winds are light from the northeast.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:15 AM; sunset at 4:30 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Snow at times, accumulating 1–2 cm. High of -2°C, low of -5°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Cloudy with a couple of snow showers; total snowfall 1–3 cm. High of -3°C, low of -13°C.
- Monday, December 2: Cloudy and colder. High of -10°C, low of -18°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Cloudy and cold. High of -10°C, low of -17°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Insulated outerwear and waterproof boots are advisable due to expected snow and cold temperatures.
Weather Trivia: Fort Hope’s location near large lakes often results in lake-effect snow, contributing to its winter precipitation.
Sachigo Lake
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy, temperature at -5°C. Barometric pressure is 1013 hPa and falling. Winds are from the northwest at 15 km/h.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:20 AM; sunset at 4:25 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Considerable cloudiness. High of -7°C, low of -11°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Low clouds. High of -10°C, low of -19°C.
- Monday, December 2: Cold with low clouds. High of -14°C, low of -21°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Cloudy and cold. High of -13°C, low of -15°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Layered clothing with windproof outer layers is essential to stay warm in the frigid conditions.
Weather Trivia: Sachigo Lake’s remote location often leads to prolonged periods of cold temperatures during winter months.
KI (Big Trout Lake)
Current Conditions: Light snow continues to fall, with a current temperature of -3°C. The barometric pressure is steady at 1014 hPa. Winds are blowing from the northwest at 20 km/h, making it feel even colder.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:18 AM; sunset at 4:22 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Overcast with periods of light snow, accumulating up to 2 cm. The high will be -5°C, with a low of -10°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Cloudy skies with flurries continuing. High of -8°C, dipping to -16°C overnight.
- Monday, December 2: Cloudy and much colder, with a high of -12°C and a low of -20°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Partly sunny and cold, with a high of -11°C and a low of -18°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Thick parkas, insulated gloves, and warm boots are a must to tackle the wind chills and fresh snow.
Weather Trivia: Big Trout Lake is known for its long, cold winters, often providing some of the best conditions for ice fishing enthusiasts in the region.
Sandy Lake
Current Conditions: Overcast with a temperature of -4°C. Winds are from the west-northwest at 18 km/h. The barometric pressure stands at 1012 hPa and falling.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:15 AM; sunset at 4:28 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Cloudy with light snow developing by evening, bringing 1–3 cm of accumulation. High of -6°C, low of -9°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Cloudy with scattered snow showers. High of -9°C and a low of -14°C.
- Monday, December 2: Mostly cloudy and cold, with temperatures reaching -12°C during the day and falling to -19°C at night.
- Tuesday, December 3: Flurries possible in the afternoon. High of -10°C, low of -17°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Layered outfits with windproof outerwear will keep you comfortable against the chilly winds.
Weather Trivia: Sandy Lake often sees its first ice road connections to nearby communities form by early December, a lifeline for remote travel.
Pikangikum
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy skies with a temperature of -7°C. Winds are light from the northwest at 12 km/h, and the barometric pressure is steady at 1011 hPa.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:12 AM; sunset at 4:31 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Snow flurries expected throughout the day, with minimal accumulation. High of -5°C, low of -8°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Cloudy with intermittent flurries. High of -7°C, dropping to -15°C at night.
- Monday, December 2: Overcast with light snow showers. High of -9°C, low of -18°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow late in the day. High of -8°C, low of -14°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Keep warm with thermal layers and snow boots, especially for outdoor activities like wood gathering.
Weather Trivia: Pikangikum’s early winters often see the community transition to snowmobiles as a primary mode of transportation.
Cat Lake
Current Conditions: Cloudy with intermittent flurries, temperature at -6°C. Winds are northwest at 15 km/h. Barometric pressure reads 1013 hPa and is steady.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:10 AM; sunset at 4:30 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Light snow during the day, tapering off by night. High of -4°C, low of -7°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Cloudy with occasional flurries. High of -7°C, low of -12°C.
- Monday, December 2: Cold and overcast. High of -10°C, low of -16°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Snow likely in the evening. High of -8°C, low of -14°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Windproof winter coats and thick scarves are essential for combating the chill.
Weather Trivia: Cat Lake’s dense boreal forest often creates a winter wonderland after the first significant snowfall of the season.
Kasabonika Lake
Current Conditions: Partly cloudy skies with a temperature of -8°C. Winds are north-northwest at 20 km/h, with the barometric pressure steady at 1014 hPa.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:25 AM; sunset at 4:15 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Flurries throughout the day, with a high of -7°C and a low of -10°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Mostly cloudy with light snow showers possible. High of -10°C, low of -18°C.
- Monday, December 2: Colder with increasing cloud cover. High of -12°C, low of -20°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Partly cloudy and cold. High of -9°C, low of -15°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Layer up with thermal clothing and sturdy winter boots for any outdoor travel.
Weather Trivia: Kasabonika Lake often sees its fishing season extend well into the winter months, thanks to its remote location and icy conditions.
Neskantaga (Lansdowne House)
Current Conditions: Light snow, with a temperature of -4°C. Winds are calm, and the barometric pressure is holding steady at 1012 hPa.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:22 AM; sunset at 4:20 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Light snow accumulating 1–2 cm. High of -5°C, low of -9°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Cloudy skies with snow showers. High of -7°C, low of -14°C.
- Monday, December 2: Mostly cloudy with brief sunny breaks. High of -11°C, low of -18°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Flurries possible late in the evening. High of -8°C, low of -16°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Waterproof winter gear is advised for those venturing outside in the snow.
Weather Trivia: Neskantaga’s winters are known for their extreme quiet, as the surrounding boreal forests absorb much of the ambient sound.
Summer Beaver (Nibinamik)
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy with occasional flurries, and a current temperature of -6°C. Winds are light at 12 km/h from the northwest, and the barometric pressure is steady at 1013 hPa.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:25 AM; sunset at 4:18 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Overcast with light snow expected later in the day, bringing up to 2 cm of accumulation. High of -5°C, with a low of -10°C overnight.
- Sunday, December 1: Cloudy skies with isolated snow showers. High of -8°C, dropping to -14°C at night.
- Monday, December 2: Colder temperatures with mostly cloudy conditions. High of -11°C, low of -18°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Flurries possible late in the day, with a high of -9°C and a low of -16°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: A heavy winter jacket with a hood, paired with insulated boots and gloves, is ideal for the colder weekend ahead.
Weather Trivia: The name “Nibinamik” translates to “Summer Beaver” in Ojibwe, but during the long winter, the frozen lakes and quiet forests offer a stark contrast to its name.
Peawanuck
Current Conditions: Cloudy with scattered light snow, and a temperature of -2°C. Winds are brisk from the northeast at 22 km/h, with the barometric pressure steady at 1018 hPa.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:40 AM; sunset at 4:05 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Periods of snow through the day, accumulating 2–4 cm. High of -1°C, with a low of -5°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Cloudy with additional flurries. High of -3°C, dipping to -11°C overnight.
- Monday, December 2: A shift to colder weather with mostly cloudy skies. High of -9°C, low of -19°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Intermittent sunshine and chilly conditions. High of -11°C, low of -18°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Ensure layers include windproof clothing to combat the strong gusts, particularly during outdoor activities.
Weather Trivia: Peawanuck, located near the Hudson Bay Lowlands, is one of the most remote communities in Ontario, often experiencing severe winter conditions due to its northern latitude.
Attawapiskat
Current Conditions: Overcast skies with flurries, and a current temperature of -3°C. Winds are from the northeast at 18 km/h, with a barometric pressure of 1017 hPa and steady.
Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise at 8:35 AM; sunset at 4:10 PM.
Forecast:
- Saturday, November 30: Light snow with accumulations of up to 3 cm. High of -2°C, low of -6°C.
- Sunday, December 1: Cloudy with intermittent snow showers. High of -4°C, low of -12°C.
- Monday, December 2: Colder temperatures with cloudy skies dominating. High of -8°C, low of -18°C.
- Tuesday, December 3: Cloudy with flurries possible late in the day. High of -10°C, low of -15°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Full winter gear, including a thick scarf and lined boots, is essential to stay comfortable in the persistent chill.
Weather Trivia: Attawapiskat, located along the Attawapiskat River, often sees its first significant freeze-up by late November, heralding the start of its ice road season.
Final Thoughts on Northern Ontario’s Winter Weather
As the season progresses, these communities are seeing the true onset of winter with snow showers, sub-zero temperatures, and wind chills that demand proper preparation. Northern Ontario’s vast, remote landscapes offer both challenges and beauty during the winter months.
