THUNDER BAY – WEATHER DESK – As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, let’s take a look at the weather conditions across various Northern Ontario communities. Here’s what you can expect for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day:
Marten Falls (Ogoki Post)
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy with a temperature of 25°F (-4°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Cloudy with a high of 28°F (-2°C) and a low of 14°F (-10°C).
- January 1: Cloudy with a couple of flurries; high of 22°F (-6°C) and low of 5°F (-15°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Bundle up in warm layers, including a winter coat, hat, and gloves.
Weather Trivia: Did you know? Marten Falls often sees December as the start of snow-covered landscapes lasting into spring.
Wasaho Cree Nation (Fort Severn)
Current Conditions: Cloudy with light snow, temperature at 26°F (-3°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Cloudy and breezy with snow, accumulating an additional 1-3 cm; high of 24°F (-4°C) and low of 8°F (-13°C).
- January 1: Windy and colder with snow at times, accumulating an additional cm or two; high of 11°F (-12°C) and low of 1°F (-17°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Heavy-duty Arctic wear is recommended to stay warm.
Weather Trivia: Fort Severn holds the record for the coldest wind chill recorded in Ontario at -58°C.
Fort Hope (Eabametoong First Nation)
Current Conditions: Partly cloudy with a temperature of 25°F (-4°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Cloudy with a high of 24°F (-4°C) and a low of 10°F (-12°C).
- January 1: Cloudy and colder; high of 13°F (-11°C) and low of -2°F (-19°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Insulated coats, snow boots, and gloves are essential.
Weather Trivia: Fort Hope often experiences significant temperature drops during the transition from December to January.
Sachigo Lake
Current Conditions: Partly cloudy with a temperature of 25°F (-4°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Snow this morning, accumulating 3-6 cm; otherwise, cloudy with a high of 24°F (-4°C) and a low of 10°F (-12°C).
- January 1: Cloudy and colder; high of 13°F (-11°C) and low of -2°F (-19°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Warm winter attire, including thermal layers, is advisable.
Weather Trivia: Sachigo Lake’s winter season typically brings consistent snowfall, contributing to its picturesque landscapes.
Big Trout Lake (Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug)
Current Conditions: Cloudy with a temperature of 21°F (-6°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Cloudy with a high of 24°F (-4°C) and a low of 11°F (-11°C).
- January 1: Breezy in the morning; otherwise, cloudy and colder with a high of 14°F (-10°C) and a low of -3°F (-19°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Layered clothing with a focus on wind-resistant outerwear is recommended.
Weather Trivia: Big Trout Lake is known for its clear, starry skies during cold winter nights, a treat for stargazers.
Sandy Lake
Current Conditions: Cloudy with a temperature of 25°F (-4°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Cloudy with a couple of snow showers; high of 26°F (-4°C) and low of 13°F (-11°C).
- January 1: Cloudy with a couple of flurries; high of 16°F (-9°C) and low of 1°F (-17°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Ensure to wear waterproof boots and a warm hat to stay comfortable.
Weather Trivia: Sandy Lake often experiences lake-effect snow, leading to higher snowfall totals compared to surrounding areas.
Pikangikum
Current Conditions: Clear with a temperature of 32°F (0°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Cloudy with a bit of snow and rain at times this afternoon with little or no accumulation; high of 37°F (3°C) and low of 31°F (0°C).
- January 1: Cloudy with a couple of snow showers; high of 34°F (1°C) and low of 24°F (-5°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Dress in layers to adjust to the mixed precipitation; waterproof outerwear is advisable.
Weather Trivia: Pikangikum’s proximity to large bodies of water can lead to varied weather patterns, including sudden snow showers.
Cat Lake
Current Conditions: Partly cloudy with a temperature of 23°F (-5°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Cloudy with a high of 22°F (-5°C) and a low of 14°F (-10°C).
- January 1: Cloudy with a high of 17°F (-8°C) and a low of 1°F (-17°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Winter boots and thermal layers are a must for braving these temperatures.
Weather Trivia: Fort Hope often experiences the “arctic desert” phenomenon—very cold yet dry winter conditions.
Sachigo Lake
Current Conditions: Light snow falling with a current temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winds are moderate at 15 km/h from the west.
Forecast:
- December 31: Snow showers expected, with a high of 20°F (-6°C) and a low of 8°F (-13°C). Winds could pick up to 20 km/h in the evening.
- January 1: Clearing skies with temperatures dropping to a high of 10°F (-12°C) and a low of -5°F (-21°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: A windproof coat and scarf will help keep you cozy, especially as winds strengthen.
Weather Trivia: Sachigo Lake sits in the boreal forest zone, contributing to its picturesque snow-laden winter views.
Big Trout Lake (KI)
Current Conditions: Overcast skies with a temperature of 22°F (-6°C) and winds from the northwest at 10 km/h.
Forecast:
- December 31: A mix of light snow and cloudy periods, with a high of 18°F (-8°C) and a low of 5°F (-15°C).
- January 1: Colder air moves in, with temperatures falling to a high of 9°F (-13°C) and a low of -4°F (-20°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Insulated mittens and thick wool socks are your best friends for keeping extremities warm.
Weather Trivia: Big Trout Lake experiences extended periods of twilight during winter, which can create a magical ambiance.
Sandy Lake
Current Conditions: Mostly cloudy and calm, with a current temperature of 24°F (-4°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Cloudy with snow flurries, a high of 25°F (-4°C), and a low of 12°F (-11°C).
- January 1: A clear but cold day with temperatures dropping to a high of 14°F (-10°C) and a low of -3°F (-19°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Layer up and keep hand warmers in your pockets for extra comfort.
Weather Trivia: Sandy Lake’s winter environment is ideal for spotting the northern lights, especially on clear nights.
Pikangikum
Current Conditions: Overcast with a light breeze from the northwest at 12 km/h. Temperature stands at 26°F (-3°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Intermittent snow flurries, with a high of 27°F (-3°C) and a low of 10°F (-12°C).
- January 1: Turning cooler with clearing skies; high of 18°F (-8°C) and low of 2°F (-17°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Ensure your outer layers are waterproof to handle the snow flurries.
Weather Trivia: Pikangikum is known for its remote beauty, drawing outdoor enthusiasts year-round despite its chilly winters.
Cat Lake
Current Conditions: Light snow falling steadily, with a temperature of 22°F (-6°C) and humidity at 82%.
Forecast:
- December 31: Snowfall expected to taper off by afternoon, high of 24°F (-4°C), and a low of 9°F (-13°C).
- January 1: A sunny but frigid day, with temperatures peaking at 12°F (-11°C) and dropping to -5°F (-20°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Protect yourself from the elements with a good-quality down jacket and thermal leggings.
Weather Trivia: The forests around Cat Lake are home to diverse wildlife that can sometimes be spotted even in winter.
Kasabonika Lake
Current Conditions: Partly cloudy skies with a moderate breeze of 15 km/h from the northwest. Temperature is 25°F (-4°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: A mix of clouds and light snow, with a high of 23°F (-5°C) and a low of 8°F (-13°C).
- January 1: Gradual clearing with colder air settling in; high of 10°F (-12°C) and low of -4°F (-20°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Face coverings and layered clothing are essential for staying warm in dropping temperatures.
Weather Trivia: Kasabonika Lake often experiences ice fog during its coldest mornings, adding a surreal touch to the landscape.
Neskantaga (Lansdowne House)
Current Conditions: Snow showers with light winds from the north at 10 km/h. Current temperature is 20°F (-7°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: Overcast with light snow throughout the day; high of 21°F (-6°C) and low of 5°F (-15°C).
- January 1: Turning sunny but remaining bitterly cold, with a high of 8°F (-13°C) and a low of -6°F (-21°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: A heavy winter coat and thermal gloves will make outdoor activities more bearable.
Weather Trivia: Neskantaga’s winter night skies are a stargazer’s dream, with exceptionally low light pollution.
Peawanuck
Current Conditions: Overcast skies with light snow falling intermittently. Temperature stands at 26°F (-3°C), with humidity at 80%.
Forecast:
- December 31: Snow flurries likely, with a high of 24°F (-4°C) and a low of 7°F (-14°C).
- January 1: Clear skies and frigid temperatures, with a high of 12°F (-11°C) and a low of -2°F (-19°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: A parka with fur trim around the hood will protect against the biting wind.
Weather Trivia: Peawanuck lies near Polar Bear Provincial Park, making it one of the coldest inhabited places in Ontario.
Attawapiskat
Current Conditions: Partly cloudy with winds from the northwest at 12 km/h. Temperature is 24°F (-4°C).
Forecast:
- December 31: A mix of clouds and occasional light snow; high of 25°F (-4°C) and low of 9°F (-13°C).
- January 1: Gradual clearing and colder; high of 15°F (-9°C) and low of -3°F (-19°C).
Wardrobe Suggestion: Snow boots and insulated outerwear are essential for venturing outdoors.
Weather Trivia: Attawapiskat’s rivers often freeze solid in winter, creating natural ice highways for travel.
