An Arctic Chill Has Settled Over the Region
An Extreme Cold Warning continues to chill Kenora, Grassy Narrows, and Whitedog as dangerously cold wind chills plunge to nearly -40°C. Current conditions at the Kenora Airport report temperatures of -29.8°C under a layer of ice crystals. With the wind blowing from the west-northwest at 10 km/h, the wind chill is a frigid -39. The barometric pressure is rising at 102.7 kPa, and humidity stands at 76%. Visibility is limited to just 1.6 km—an Arctic cocktail of frost and haze.
Thursday Forecast: Frostbite in Minutes!
Prepare for a bitterly cold day with a mix of sun and cloud. The wind will shift to a westerly 20 km/h before calming down in the afternoon. The high temperature is a numbing -22°C, with wind chill values ranging from -41 in the morning to a slightly less dire -30 in the afternoon. Exposed skin can succumb to frostbite in minutes, so bundle up!
Thursday Night
Skies will remain partly cloudy as temperatures dip to a bone-chilling -30°C. Winds will ease to 15 km/h, but the wind chill will plunge to -37 overnight. Frostbite risk remains critical.
Looking Ahead: A Gradual Warm-Up
Friday
Expect sunny skies and a modest “warm-up” with a high of -16°C. Clouds will creep back in during the night, with temperatures steady at -16°C.
Saturday
The weekend brings a mix of sun and cloud, and temperatures climbing to a high of -8°C—practically tropical by comparison! However, overnight lows will remain brisk at -10°C under cloudy skies.
Historic High and Low for December 12
The record high for this date was a balmy 3.9°C in 1953, a stark contrast to today’s frostbitten reality. The lowest temperature on record? A frigid -34.4°C in 1977.
Wardrobe Advice: Survival Mode
Today calls for the warmest layers you own. Thick thermal undergarments, insulated coats, hats, mittens, and boots are mandatory. If you’re outside for any length of time, ensure all skin is covered—your extremities will thank you!
Safety Tips
- Check on elderly neighbors or friends who may need assistance.
- Keep your pets indoors—they feel the cold too!
- Stock your vehicle with blankets and emergency supplies in case of breakdowns.
Weather Trivia: Arctic Air
Did you know Arctic air is so dry that it can make your skin crack even if you don’t feel it? This dryness, combined with the biting cold, makes hydration crucial during these extreme temperatures.
