Arctic temperatures dominate Northern Ontario’s forecast from January 19-22, with extreme wind chills, snow, and frostbite warnings in multiple communities.
Winter’s grip tightens across Northern Ontario, with icy temperatures, snowfalls, and bitter winds dominating the forecast. Whether you’re bundled up in Marten Falls or braving the tundra winds in Peawanuck, this is a week to keep your parka close and your hot cocoa closer.
Here’s a detailed look at the weather for January 19 through January 22, 2025, covering a number of the Northern communities.
January 19, 2025: A Frosty Morning for the North
Marten Falls
Marten Falls starts the day with cloudy skies and light snow flurries. The high will hover around -18°C, with a wind chill near -28°C. Winds are blowing from the northwest at 20 km/h, adding an extra bite to the air. Barometric pressure is steady at 101.2 kPa, and the humidity sits at 75%. The record high for this date was 3.5°C in 1981, while the record low plummeted to -38.6°C in 1950.
Big Trout Lake (KI)
Big Trout Lake sees similar conditions, with a daytime high of -20°C and a wind chill feeling more like -30°C. Winds out of the northwest at 25 km/h make outdoor activities a bit brutal. Barometric pressure is at 101.5 kPa, with 70% humidity. Bundle up; frostbite warnings are in effect for exposed skin in under 10 minutes.
Sachigo Lake
Sachigo Lake experiences a high of -21°C, with snow flurries expected throughout the day. Winds from the northwest at 18 km/h and a wind chill near -32°C make it feel Arctic. Barometric pressure is at 101.7 kPa, with 68% humidity.
Sandy Lake
Cloudy skies dominate Sandy Lake, with occasional flurries and a high of -19°C. Winds from the west-northwest at 22 km/h make it feel closer to -31°C. Barometric pressure is at 101.8 kPa. No travel issues reported, but frostbite risk remains high.
Kasabonika
Kasabonika has a high of -22°C and a piercing wind chill of -34°C. Winds out of the northwest at 28 km/h are creating blustery conditions. Humidity is at 65%, and barometric pressure is stable at 101.4 kPa.
Bearskin Lake
Bearskin Lake wakes to cloudy skies and a frigid high of -23°C. Wind chills dip to -36°C with winds at 20 km/h from the northwest. Frostbite warnings persist.
Pikangikum
Pikangikum sees light snow and a high of -18°C, with a wind chill of -29°C. Winds from the west at 15 km/h keep it biting cold. Barometric pressure is steady at 101.9 kPa.
Attawapiskat
Overcast skies dominate Attawapiskat, with light snow flurries and a high of -17°C. Winds from the west-northwest at 22 km/h make it feel like -30°C. Watch for slippery roads.
Peawanuck
Peawanuck remains frigid at -21°C, with blustery northwest winds at 30 km/h. Wind chills feel like -37°C, and frostbite is a concern. Skies stay overcast.
Summer Beaver
Summer Beaver experiences a high of -19°C, with a biting wind chill of -31°C. Winds are moderate at 18 km/h from the northwest.
Fort Severn/Wasaho Cree Nation
Fort Severn braces for a high of -25°C, with a bone-chilling wind chill near -40°C. Winds from the northwest at 35 km/h create dangerous conditions outdoors. Frostbite warnings are in place.
Neskantaga
Neskantaga sees snow flurries with a high of -20°C. Wind chills feel like -33°C, with winds from the west-northwest at 25 km/h. Visibility may be reduced in blowing snow.
Round Lake
Round Lake is cloudy with occasional snow and a high of -19°C. Winds from the northwest at 22 km/h push the wind chill to -31°C.
Cat Lake
Cat Lake starts cloudy with light snow and a high of -18°C. Winds from the northwest at 20 km/h make it feel closer to -30°C.
January 20-22, 2025: The Arctic Express Rolls On
January 20
Northern Ontario stays locked in winter’s icy grip. Expect daytime highs ranging from -18°C to -26°C across most communities. Light snow will continue in Marten Falls, Sachigo Lake, and Big Trout Lake. Winds remain from the northwest at 20-30 km/h, driving wind chills to the -30°C to -40°C range. Frostbite risks remain critical.
January 21
On Tuesday, temperatures dip further, with Fort Severn, Kasabonika, and Peawanuck seeing highs near -27°C and wind chills in the -40°C range. Flurries taper off in most areas, but blowing snow will reduce visibility in exposed regions. Winds weaken slightly but still make the frigid air more biting.
January 22
By Wednesday, a slight warm-up arrives, with highs climbing to -17°C in Sandy Lake and Round Lake. However, northwest winds persist at 15-25 km/h, maintaining a wind chill near -30°C in most areas. Light snow returns to Pikangikum, Neskantaga, and Marten Falls.
Weather Warnings
Severe frostbite warnings are active across all communities, particularly in Fort Severn, Kasabonika, and Peawanuck, where exposed skin can freeze in under 5 minutes. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity, dress in multiple layers, and protect extremities. Snow squall warnings are also in effect for areas near Big Trout Lake and Kasabonika, where blowing snow may reduce visibility. Travel is not advised in these regions without emergency preparedness.
Wardrobe Suggestions
Ditch the thin sweaters—this is full parka weather. Insulated boots, thermal layers, gloves, and hats are non-negotiable. Goggles wouldn’t be a bad idea if you’re braving the outdoors in Fort Severn or Peawanuck. Hot packs for hands and feet might save your day.
Northern Weather Trivia
Did you know? Fort Severn is Ontario’s northernmost community, situated right on the shores of Hudson Bay. Its location makes it one of the coldest spots in the province, often rivaling temperatures found in the Arctic Circle!
