Snow and Chilly Winds Take Over the Soo
This morning, Sault Ste. Marie is experiencing light snow showers with a temperature of -1°C. However, a brisk wind from the west-southwest at 22 km/h, gusting to 32 km/h, makes it feel much colder, with a wind chill of -7. The humidity is high at 91%, and visibility is reduced to 13 km. The pressure, at 102.1 kPa, is falling, indicating that winter’s grip is tightening.
Flurries will intensify as the day progresses, bringing an accumulation of 2 to 4 cm of snow. Winds will shift to the northwest, picking up to 40 km/h and gusting to 60 km/h by mid-morning. The temperature will reach a high of 0°C but will steadily drop to -4°C this afternoon, with a biting wind chill of -12.
Tonight: Cold Winds and Lingering Flurries
Cloudy skies continue overnight with a 40% chance of flurries. The northwest winds will remain strong, gusting to 60 km/h before shifting to a lighter northeast breeze near morning. Temperatures will dip to -11°C, with an overnight wind chill making it feel like -18. It’s a night for warm blankets and a hearty soup.
The Week Ahead: A Winter Wonderland
Thursday, December 19
Thursday will stay mainly cloudy, with a 60% chance of flurries late in the morning and afternoon. Winds will shift to the east at 30 km/h, keeping the high to a frosty -8°C. Wind chills will hover around -19 in the morning and -14 in the afternoon, so bundle up!
By night, clouds stick around with a 40% chance of flurries and a low of -9°C.
Friday, December 20
A mix of sun and cloud dominates Friday with a 40% chance of flurries. The high reaches -7°C, and the night brings clearing skies with a sharp drop to -18°C—ideal for star gazing if you’re dressed for it.
Saturday, December 21
Sunny skies and a high of -13°C mark the start of the weekend. Saturday night remains clear, with temperatures bottoming out at -19°C, reminding everyone that winter is here to stay.
Weather History: The Soo’s Winter Extremes
On December 18, Sault Ste. Marie once basked in a record high of 9.0°C in 1984—a far cry from today’s snowy chill. The record low of -28.9°C in 1983 reminds us how harsh December can be.
Wardrobe Advisory
Today’s gusty winds and falling temperatures call for a windproof jacket, warm gloves, and a hat. Insulated boots are essential for trudging through the snow, and a scarf is a great idea to shield against the wind chill.
Did You Know?
Sault Ste. Marie’s proximity to Lake Superior often creates dramatic lake-effect snow events, with sudden bursts of heavy snow when cold air sweeps over the warmer lake waters. This unique feature makes for unpredictable winter days in the Soo!
