Snowy Day in Kenora, Grassy Narrows, and Whitedog
KENORA – WEATHER DESK – A Snowfall Warning continues for Kenora, Grassy Narrows, and Whitedog, as additional snow and gusty winds create challenging conditions. All school buses have been cancelled for the day, underscoring the wintery impact across the region.
Reality is to get on the snow shovelling today because by Wednesday the region will be entering the freezer section of winter with temperatures near -30°C
Current Conditions: A Chilly and Snowy Start
At 5:44 AM CST, Kenora Airport reported light snow with drifting snow, visibility reduced to 5 km. The temperature stands at -7°C, with an east-northeast wind blowing at 23 km/h, gusting to 33 km/h. The wind chill makes it feel like a brisk -15°C. Barometric pressure is at 100.4 kPa and falling as the system persists.
Monday: Snow to Taper by Afternoon
Morning through Afternoon: Periods of snow will continue through the day, with an additional 2 to 5 cm expected before tapering to light snow or scattered flurries by this afternoon. Winds will shift from the northeast to the northwest, increasing to 20 km/h and gusting up to 40 km/h. The high will reach -5°C, but wind chill values will remain near -14°C throughout the day.
Evening and Overnight: Light snow will end this evening, leaving cloudy skies and a 30% chance of flurries. Winds from the northwest will continue at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, as the temperature drops to -15°C. The wind chill will dip sharply to -23°C overnight, so bundle up if heading outside.
Tuesday: More Light Snow and Frigid Air
Morning through Afternoon: Cloudy conditions dominate, with a 30% chance of flurries early before periods of light snow begin. Winds will calm to 15 km/h, but the cold will bite, with a high of -11°C and a wind chill of -21°C in the morning and -14°C by the afternoon.
Evening and Overnight: The cold deepens as temperatures drop to -23°C under cloudy skies with a 30% chance of flurries.
Wednesday: A Mix of Sun and Arctic Chill
Wednesday will bring a mix of sun and clouds but not much warmth. The high will only reach -21°C, with overnight lows plunging to an extreme -27°C. It’s shaping up to be a day for thick layers and hot cocoa!
Historical Weather Perspective
Kenora’s record high for December 9th was 7.2°C in 1999, while the record low was -33.0°C in 1977. Today’s weather might not break records, but it serves a frosty reminder that winter is in full swing.
Winter Safety and Wardrobe
Dress warmly with multiple layers, a heavy winter coat, insulated boots, and a hat. Don’t skimp on gloves and a scarf to keep the biting wind at bay. If driving, ensure your headlights are on and maintain a safe following distance, as visibility can drop suddenly.
A Cool Weather Trivia
Did you know that freshly fallen snow is made up of 90% to 95% trapped air? That’s why it’s such an effective insulator—perfect for hibernating animals or the occasional snow cave!