Thunder Bay, ON – Winter has firmly gripped the region, with snow squalls and travel advisories making the highways a challenging arena for motorists. Drivers should brace for hazardous conditions as lake-effect snow, gusty winds, and blowing snow reduce visibility and pile up snow on roads.
While as of 5:00 am there are no specific alerts or warnings for the City of Thunder Bay, there are alerts for all areas surrounding the city. Highway travel is going to be a challenge.
Today’s Weather Snapshot for Thunder Bay Region
This morning began with light snow and gusty north-northwest winds peaking at 60 km/h. Current temperatures hover at -7°C, with a wind chill making it feel like -15°C. Barometric pressure is steady at 102.2 kPa, and the humidity level is relatively low at 66%.
Lake-effect snow squalls, particularly off Lake Nipigon, are dumping 5 to 10 cm of fresh snow, significantly reducing visibility.
Highways 11 and 17 are the hardest hit, with conditions expected to improve only by this afternoon as the snow tapers off.
What to Expect for Today and Tonight
- This Afternoon: Clearing skies will offer some relief, but temperatures remain chilly with a high of -7°C. Gusts will calm to a gentle breeze, bringing wind chills of -12°C.
- Tonight: Skies cloud over again as light snow moves in after midnight. Temperatures will plunge to -14°C, feeling like -21°C in the wind.
Wardrobe Tip: Bundle up in multiple layers, including a windproof jacket, warm hat, and gloves. Keep an extra scarf handy if venturing out this evening—wind chills will bite!
Extended Forecast – Flurries and Clouds Dominate
- Friday, Dec. 6: Periods of light snow in the morning, tapering to a 30% chance of flurries. Winds from the northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, will ease in the afternoon. High: -8°C, feeling like -22°C in the morning.
- Night: Cloudy, with a 40% chance of flurries. Low: -13°C.
- Saturday, Dec. 7: Overcast skies and a 30% chance of flurries. High: -5°C, with a low of -9°C overnight and a 40% chance of snow.
Road Safety Advisory: Postpone non-essential travel if possible. Sudden visibility changes and slippery roads near Lake Nipigon and along Highways 11 and 17 make driving treacherous.
Trivia: Thunder Bay’s Record Temps
The historic high for December 5th in Thunder Bay was a toasty 11.7°C in 1924, while the record low plummeted to -31.7°C in 1976. A stark reminder of winter’s unpredictable personality!
