THUNDER BAY – WEATHER DESK – If you are on the road today, eastbound and down expect wet conditions, Sudbury to Ottawa there are Freezing Rain Warnings in effect.
There is rain and drizzle from Kenora through to Sudbury.
Highway 401: Rainy but Mild
Travellers on Highway 401 can expect generally wet conditions today. Toronto is experiencing misty skies and light drizzle, with temperatures climbing to an unseasonable high of 12°C. Visibility may be reduced in foggy areas, especially in the evening as fog patches develop. While no snow or ice is anticipated, rain-slicked roads require extra caution, and drivers should slow down in areas with poor visibility.
Highway 11: Icy Threats and Foggy Conditions
Conditions on Highway 11 vary significantly along the route. In the Geraldton and Greenstone areas, freezing rain this morning will transition to drizzle or rain as temperatures climb above freezing. This will create slippery roads and potentially icy bridges. Fog patches are also expected, further complicating travel.
Highway 17: Wet and Slushy with Fog
Highway 17, stretching through Thunder Bay, Dryden, Vermilion Bay, and Kenora, will present varying conditions.
- In Thunder Bay, rain will transition to snow by midday, with up to 4 cm of local snowfall possible. Fog patches and gusty winds will reduce visibility.
- Westward through Dryden and Vermilion Bay, drizzle will dominate, with steady temperatures near 2°C. Roads will be wet but not icy, although fog patches may impair visibility.
- In Kenora, similar conditions prevail with drizzle lingering throughout the day, but temperatures remaining steady near 2°C should prevent freezing.
Slushy roads and foggy conditions will make driving tricky, particularly in areas transitioning from rain to snow.
Highway 105: Wet and Slippery with Snow Possible
Further west toward Red Lake and Ear Falls, drizzle and light rain will give way to a rain-snow mix near noon, with local snowfall amounts of up to 2 cm. Fog and reduced visibility will persist, making for challenging driving conditions. Temperatures holding steady near 2°C may prevent significant ice accumulation but could still lead to slushy roads.
Drivers heading along Highway 105 through Red Lake and Ear Falls can expect damp roads early, with drizzle turning to a rain-snow mix by midday. Up to 2 cm of snow could accumulate in the afternoon, creating slushy and potentially icy patches. Fog patches will further reduce visibility. Temperatures hovering near freezing will require extra vigilance on bridges and shaded areas, where slick spots are likely to form.
General Travel Advisory
Drivers across Northern Ontario should prepare for a mix of wet, slushy, and icy conditions. Fog patches will persist in many areas, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of collisions. Allow extra time for travel, maintain a safe following distance, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires and sufficient windshield washer fluid.
For the latest updates and road conditions, check 511ON.ca before heading out.
