Lake Effect Snow Creates Hazardous Conditions in Sault Ste. Marie
A winter weather travel advisory remains in effect for Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island this morning as lake effect snow off Lake Superior continues to impact the region. At 7:00 AM EST, light snow is falling with a temperature of -12.8°C. Winds are blowing from the south-southwest at 14 km/h, creating a wind chill of -20. Humidity is at 82%, with visibility at 24 kilometers—although heavy bursts of snow may cause sudden and localized visibility reductions. The barometric pressure is rising at 101.6 kPa, signaling a shift in the weather as the lake effect snow begins to move out.
Tuesday’s Forecast: Snow Squalls, Flurries, and Frigid Air
The lake effect snow will gradually exit to the south this morning, but not before dropping local accumulations of up to 5 cm. Flurries will persist for much of the day, with a 40% chance of snow continuing into the afternoon. Winds will shift from the southwest at 20 km/h (gusting to 40) this morning, calming briefly before switching to the north at 20 km/h early in the afternoon.
The high temperature today will be -6°C, though wind chills will make it feel like -22 this morning and -13 this afternoon. Frostbite remains a concern for exposed skin, so don’t skimp on your winter layers if you’re heading outdoors. The UV index is a low 1, but with clouds dominating, the risk of sunburn is virtually nonexistent.
Tonight: Bitterly Cold and Cloudy
The skies will remain cloudy tonight, and winds from the north at 20 km/h will taper off by evening. Temperatures will plunge to a low of -17°C, with a wind chill of -24 making it feel much colder. This is a good evening to stay inside and cozy up with a hot drink.
Midweek Weather: Flurries and Snow Return
Wednesday will bring a mix of sun and cloud by the morning, but a few flurries will linger throughout the day. Winds will pick up from the southwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h by noon. The high temperature will rise slightly to -5°C, but the morning wind chill of -24 will make it feel much colder before moderating to -12 in the afternoon.
Wednesday night, expect snow to return as the region prepares for another round of wintry weather. Temperatures will fall to a low of -7°C, so roads may become slick overnight.
Extended Forecast: A Brief Warm-Up
Thursday offers a break from the extreme cold, with flurries continuing and a high of 0°C—possibly the warmest day of the week. Thursday night will remain cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries and a low of -3°C.
Friday brings more snow, with a high of -1°C. By Friday night, the temperatures will drop back to -8°C, with a 60% chance of flurries to wrap up the week.
What to Wear
Today’s weather calls for full winter gear. Start with thermal underlayers, add a thick sweater, and finish with a windproof, insulated parka. Waterproof boots with good traction will help in the snowy conditions, and don’t forget a toque, scarf, and gloves. With wind chills in the -20 range, exposed skin can freeze quickly, so bundle up to stay safe and warm.
Weather Trivia: Lake Superior’s Snow-Making Magic
Did you know that Sault Ste. Marie experiences some of the heaviest lake effect snow in Ontario? The massive surface area of Lake Superior generates moisture-rich snow bands that can dump up to 30 cm of snow in a single event. While today’s accumulation is minor in comparison, it’s a reminder of the lake’s powerful winter influence on the region.
Weather Overview
Winter weather advisory in Sault Ste. Marie as lake effect snow continues this morning, reducing visibility. Flurries persist through the day with wind chills near -22°C.
