A Frosty and Festive Forecast for Northwestern Ontario
The Dryden, Red Lake Road, and Vermilion Bay areas are waking up to light snow and chilly temperatures of -11°C this Christmas Eve morning, as observed at Dryden Airport. Winds from the south-southwest at 15 km/h make it feel like a frigid -18°C. Humidity stands at 91%, and visibility is decent at 16 km, setting the stage for a wintery day ahead.
Christmas Eve: Flurries and Chilly Winds
Today will remain mostly cloudy, with a 30% chance of flurries to add some seasonal flair. Winds will strengthen from the southwest, reaching 20 km/h with gusts up to 40 km/h. The high will climb to -5°C, but the wind chill will make it feel as cold as -22°C in the morning and -12°C in the afternoon. The UV index is a low 1, leaving the sun to play a minor supporting role.
Dress warmly for outdoor activities and plan for the wind to be a constant companion.
Tonight: Cloudy Skies and Freezing Drizzle Risks
The clouds will persist into the evening, with a continued 30% chance of flurries. A risk of freezing drizzle overnight could create slippery conditions for those traveling late. Winds will calm down, becoming light early in the evening, with temperatures holding steady near -5°C. The wind chill will stay around -12°C—cold but manageable for holiday revelers.
Christmas Day: Mild and Overcast
Christmas Day will bring overcast skies and a hint of warmth as temperatures rise to -2°C. Winds will be light through most of the day but will pick up from the south at 20 km/h by late afternoon. The wind chill will feel like -10°C in the morning, easing slightly as the day progresses. It’s a perfect setting for holiday gatherings, whether indoors or out in the snowy landscape.
The evening will see cloudy periods with a low of -3°C, keeping things mild as the day concludes.
Boxing Day: Flurries with a Milder Touch
Boxing Day will continue the cloudy trend with a 30% chance of flurries and temperatures reaching a high of 0°C. Light snow showers may linger into the evening, with lows steady near 0°C. It’s a welcome reprieve from the deeper cold earlier in the week but could create slushy and slippery conditions.
Weather Trivia for Dryden and Surrounding Areas
On December 24, Dryden’s warmest Christmas Eve was recorded at 3.6°C in 1994, while the coldest dipped to a bone-chilling -39.2°C in 1983. This year’s weather strikes a balance—cold enough for festive ambiance without reaching historical extremes.
