Northwestern Ontario faces an Extreme Cold Warning with wind chills of -40 to -45. Stay warm, limit outdoor exposure, and prepare for icy conditions into Tuesday

Bundle Up and Stay Indoors: Arctic Blast Brings Dangerous Wind Chills

Northwestern Ontario is currently locked in the icy grip of an Extreme Cold Warning that is expected to last into Tuesday afternoon. Communities across the region, including Kenora, Lake of the Woods, Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Fort Frances, Atikokan, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Pickle Lake, Armstrong, Nipigon, Terrace Bay, and Thunder Bay, are all facing dangerously low temperatures with wind chill values plummeting to a staggering minus 40 to 45. Even during daylight hours, the region will see little relief from this unrelenting cold.

Current Conditions Across the Region

Kenora and Lake of the Woods

Kenora is waking up to bitter cold temperatures hovering near -30°C, but the wind chill makes it feel closer to -44°C. The northwest wind is steady at 15 km/h, and the barometric pressure is high at 103.2 kPa. Humidity sits at 65%, adding to the biting chill. It’s safe to say that even a quick trip outside calls for multiple layers and full winter gear.

Dryden and Vermilion Bay

Dryden and Vermilion Bay are no warmer, with temperatures at -31°C and wind chill values pushing the “feels like” temperature to -45°C. Winds out of the northwest at 10 to 20 km/h amplify the icy conditions, and humidity is at 70%. Frostbite can occur within minutes in these conditions—don’t forget your mitts and scarves!

Fort Frances

Fort Frances is braving similar Arctic air masses, with a current temperature of -32°C, and wind chill plunging to a shocking -43°C. The northwest winds at 15 km/h cut through even the thickest coats, while the barometric pressure is at 103.1 kPa. Humidity levels are 62%. Expect little relief as this cold snap stretches into Tuesday.

Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout is equally frozen, sitting at -33°C, but the wind chill makes it feel like -46°C. Winds remain brisk from the northwest at 15 km/h, and the air pressure is steady at 103.3 kPa. Frostbite risks are extremely high, so limit your time outdoors.

Red Lake and Pickle Lake

Red Lake is reporting bone-chilling conditions with temperatures near -34°C and wind chill values nearing -45°C. Pickle Lake is similarly frosty, with a bitter -32°C and wind chills that feel like -43°C. The icy northwest winds and dry, high-pressure system ensure that outdoor conditions remain perilous.

Armstrong and Nipigon

Armstrong and Nipigon are frigid under the extreme cold warning, with temperatures holding steady at -31°C and wind chills of -44°C. Winds from the northwest at 15 km/h keep things icy, while humidity levels hover around 67%.

Terrace Bay and Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is experiencing temperatures of -29°C, but the wind chill makes it feel like -42°C. Terrace Bay is not faring much better, with a similar pattern of deep freeze and biting winds. Winds are consistent at 15 to 20 km/h, and the barometric pressure remains high at 103.4 kPa.

What to Expect: The Arctic Chill Continues

The current extreme cold warning advises residents that these dangerously low temperatures will persist into Tuesday afternoon. Despite sunny skies during the day, temperatures will struggle to climb, and wind chills will remain hazardous. If you must head outdoors, dress warmly in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer, and ensure that no skin is exposed.

Frostbite can occur in as little as 5 to 10 minutes under these conditions. Be vigilant for cold-related symptoms such as numbness, pale or discolored skin, or muscle weakness. If symptoms arise, seek shelter and medical attention immediately.

Wardrobe Suggestions: Stay Toasty

Today is a day to embrace your inner polar explorer. Start with thermal base layers, pile on thick sweaters, and finish with a heavy-duty winter coat. A windproof hat, insulated gloves or mittens, a scarf, and waterproof boots are musts. Don’t forget those wool socks—your toes will thank you.

Weather Trivia: How Cold Can It Get in Ontario?

Did you know the coldest temperature ever recorded in Ontario was a staggering -58.3°C in Iroquois Falls back in January 1935? While today’s temperatures aren’t quite that extreme, they serve as a chilly reminder of just how unforgiving winters in this province can be.