Frosty Start in Fort Frances and Rat Gut FN
The cold is no stranger to Fort Frances and Rat Gut First Nation, where the deep freeze continues. As of 6:00 AM CST, the temperature is a frosty -26.5°C, with the humidity at 79% making the air feel even colder. A light west wind at 6 km/h creates a wind chill of -32, enough to freeze your nose hairs within seconds. The barometric pressure is on the rise at 103.1 kPa, a sure sign that more chilly weather is in store.
Tuesday’s Forecast: Sunshine Meets the Arctic
Today, the skies will bring a mix of sun and cloud, but the sunshine won’t do much to warm things up. The temperature is expected to rise to a high of -16°C, though it will feel like -31 this morning and -20 this afternoon thanks to light winds of up to 15 km/h. Frostbite risks are high, so protect all exposed skin if you’re heading outdoors. The UV index is a negligible 1, but don’t let that lull you into thinking it’s safe to skip your winter gear.
Tonight, the skies will clear, and the mercury will drop to -24°C. The wind chill will sink to a bone-chilling -34 overnight. Frostbite will continue to be a concern, so limit time outdoors if possible.
Midweek Snow: A Wintery Turn
Wednesday will usher in a change as clouds roll in during the morning, followed by periods of snow. Expect 2 to 4 cm of accumulation throughout the day. The wind will shift southwest at 20 km/h, gusting up to 40 km/h, adding extra bite to the already cold air. Morning wind chills will start at a frigid -34 before improving to -13 by the afternoon as temperatures climb to a high of -4°C.
Wednesday night will bring continued snow and a low of -3°C, making roads and sidewalks slippery. Be cautious when traveling.
Extended Outlook: Flurries and Snow Persist
Thursday remains cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries and a high of -1°C, offering a brief break from the deep freeze. Snow is expected to return Thursday night, with a low near -6°C.
By Friday, snow continues with a high of -7°C, before temperatures drop sharply to -20°C Friday night. The winter chill remains firmly in place as the week ends.
What to Wear
Layers are your survival strategy today! Begin with thermal base layers, add a thick sweater or fleece, and top it off with an insulated parka. Don’t forget a toque, scarf, warm gloves, and thick socks to keep frostbite at bay. With wind chills in the -30s, even a short walk outside could be painful without proper protection.
Weather Trivia: Fort Frances’ Ice Fishing Roots
Did you know Fort Frances is known as a hub for winter ice fishing? Despite the frigid temperatures, die-hard anglers have been braving icy lakes for decades to reel in trophy fish. Remember, though, frostbite can occur faster than you can bait a hook in weather like today’s, so dress wisely if you’re heading to the ice!
Short Strokes on Forecast
Fort Frances and Rat Gut FN face cold with a high of -16°C and wind chills near -31. Snow arrives Wednesday, bringing 2-4 cm. Bundle up and stay safe!
