THUNDER BAY – WEATHER DESK – As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, residents across Northwestern Ontario should prepare for chilly temperatures and chances of flurries.
If you are headed out to ring in the new year tonight, make sure you have a safe ride home, and are not going to be driving impaired.
Here are the regional forecasts. Expect a drop in temperatures to more seasonal cold starting on January 2nd.
Kenora
On December 31, 2024, Kenora will experience mostly cloudy skies with a 40% chance of flurries. Daytime highs will reach -6°C (21°F), with wind chills making it feel like -12°C (10°F). Winds will be light, around 10-15 km/h. Overnight, temperatures will drop to -14°C (7°F). January 1 will be similar, with a chance of snow and daytime highs of -7°C (19°F), cooling further to -16°C (3°F) at night. On January 2, highs will reach -9°C (16°F), with lows plunging to -17°C (1°F).
Wardrobe Tip: Layer with thermal wear and a heavy winter coat for optimal comfort.
Historical Fact: Kenora’s warmest recorded temperature on December 31 was 3°C (37°F), and the coldest was -38°C (-36°F).
Dryden
Dryden will close 2024 with cloudy skies and a 30% chance of snow. Highs on December 31 will be -5°C (23°F), with wind chills near -10°C (14°F). Overnight lows will dip to -13°C (9°F). On January 1, flurries may persist, with highs of -7°C (19°F) and lows around -15°C (5°F). January 2 will bring colder highs of -8°C (18°F) and nighttime lows of -17°C (1°F).
Wardrobe Tip: An insulated coat and sturdy boots are essential for comfort in Dryden’s winter chill.
Historical Fact: Dryden’s record high for December 31 is 2°C (36°F), while the record low is -36°C (-33°F).
Fort Frances
Fort Frances will see cloudy skies and a 40% chance of snow on December 31, with daytime highs of -6°C (21°F) and wind chills near -12°C (10°F). Overnight, temperatures will drop to -14°C (7°F). The New Year starts with similar conditions, highs of -8°C (18°F), and lows of -16°C (3°F). By January 2, highs will reach -9°C (16°F), and nighttime temperatures will drop to -17°C (1°F).
Wardrobe Tip: A warm parka and gloves will help you brave Fort Frances’ winter chill.
Historical Fact: December 31 temperatures in Fort Frances have ranged from 4°C (39°F) to -40°C (-40°F).
Atikokan
Atikokan can expect overcast skies and light flurries on December 31, with highs around -7°C (19°F) and wind chills of -13°C (9°F). Overnight, the mercury will drop to -15°C (5°F). January 1 and 2 will bring colder highs of -9°C (16°F) and lows nearing -17°C (1°F).
Wardrobe Tip: Wear thermal layers and a wind-resistant coat to block the chill.
Historical Fact: Atikokan’s warmest December 31 was 2°C (36°F), while the coldest was -39°C (-38°F).
Sioux Lookout
Cloudy skies with occasional snow will prevail in Sioux Lookout on December 31, with daytime highs of -6°C (21°F) and wind chills making it feel like -13°C (9°F). Overnight, temperatures will drop to -14°C (7°F). January 1 and 2 will see highs near -8°C (18°F) and lows dipping to -16°C (3°F).
Wardrobe Tip: A scarf and heavy mittens are essential for Sioux Lookout’s frigid conditions.
Historical Fact: Sioux Lookout has seen December 31 highs of 1°C (34°F) and lows of -38°C (-36°F).
Pickle Lake
Pickle Lake will close the year with overcast skies and highs near -7°C (19°F). Wind chills will make it feel like -14°C (7°F). Overnight, temperatures will drop to -15°C (5°F). Similar conditions will persist on January 1 and 2, with daytime highs of -8°C (18°F) and lows near -17°C (1°F).
Wardrobe Tip: A down jacket and thick socks will keep you warm during outdoor activities.
Historical Fact: Pickle Lake has seen temperatures as high as 0°C (32°F) and as low as -41°C (-42°F) on December 31.
Red Lake
Red Lake can expect cloudy skies and light snow on December 31, with daytime highs of -6°C (21°F) and overnight lows of -14°C (7°F). January 1 will see similar conditions, while January 2 will bring highs near -8°C (18°F) and lows around -16°C (3°F).
Wardrobe Tip: Add thermal boots and a fleece-lined coat to your outfit for extra warmth.
Historical Fact: Red Lake’s warmest December 31 was 2°C (36°F), while the coldest reached -39°C (-38°F).
Nipigon
Nipigon will see mostly cloudy skies with light snow on December 31. Highs will reach -5°C (23°F), with wind chills near -10°C (14°F). Overnight, lows will drop to -13°C (9°F). January 1 and 2 will bring slightly cooler temperatures, with highs of -7°C (19°F) and lows near -15°C (5°F).
Wardrobe Tip: Insulated gloves and sturdy boots are essential for navigating Nipigon’s snowy conditions.
Historical Fact: Nipigon’s warmest December 31 was 3°C (37°F), while its coldest reached -36°C (-33°F).
