Thunder Bay endures an Extreme Cold Warning with wind chills hitting -43°C. Sunny skies won’t warm things up as frostbite risks remain high through Tuesday
Extreme Cold Warning Keeps Thunder Bay on Ice
Thunder Bay residents best be bundling up this Monday morning as an Extreme Cold Warning continues to dominate the weather. At 5:00 AM, temperatures sat at a frigid -31°C with a bone-numbing wind chill of -43, and there’s no significant relief in sight until Tuesday afternoon.
With wind chill values expected to drop between -40 and -45, frostbite can set in within minutes. It’s the kind of cold that makes even seasoned winter lovers consider hibernating.
Student Transportation is Scheduled to Run, However, Due to Weather and/or Road Conditions, Bus Delays May Occur or Some Roads or Routes May Not Be Able To Be Serviced.
Current Weather Conditions
At Thunder Bay Airport this morning, the skies were clear, but the temperatures were anything but friendly. The thermometer read -31°C, and the wind from the west-northwest at 15 km/h made it feel like -43°C. The barometric pressure measured 102.9 kPa and was on the rise, signaling stable, albeit frigid, conditions. Humidity was at 66%, enough to cut through even the thickest parka. Visibility was a crystal-clear 24 km—not that many people will be eager to brave the outdoors.
Today’s Forecast: Cold, Sun, and Frostbite Warnings
Today’s weather serves as a reminder that even sunshine can be deceiving. Thunder Bay will bask in clear skies, but the high will only reach -22°C. Wind chills will linger around -41 in the morning, easing slightly to a “milder” -33 by the afternoon. With frostbite risks sky-high, consider this a “no exposed skin” day.
Tonight, a few clouds will roll in, and winds from the west at 20 km/h will die down late in the evening. Still, it won’t be warm—temperatures will plunge to a low of -33°C, with a wind chill of -42 overnight. It’s the kind of night where even thinking about stepping outside makes you shiver.
Looking Ahead: Arctic Chill Hangs On
Tuesday, January 21: Sunny skies continue, but the deep freeze persists. Expect a high of -22°C with morning wind chills of -43 and afternoon wind chills of -30. The UV index will stay low at 1—no sunburn to worry about, but frostbite is the main threat. Tuesday night brings cloudy periods and a less dramatic low of -22°C.
Wednesday, January 22: Some improvement is on the horizon as highs climb to -11°C under cloudy skies with a 30% chance of flurries. Overnight, temperatures will dip back to -20°C.
Thursday, January 23: A mix of sun and cloud will dominate, with highs near -13°C and a clear, cold night ahead with a low of -20°C.
Wardrobe Tips: Thunder Bay Survival Mode
Today isn’t about fashion; it’s about survival. Think layers: thermal base layers, fleece or wool for warmth, and a windproof outer shell. Insulated gloves, a toque, and a scarf to cover your face are absolute necessities. Warm, waterproof boots with thick socks will protect your toes. And remember, if your eyelashes freeze, you’re officially overdressed for staying inside.
Historic Weather Trivia
On this date in history, Thunder Bay has seen its fair share of wild temperature swings. The record high for January 20 was 6.5°C, a heatwave compared to today. Meanwhile, the record low was a jaw-dropping -40.7°C, so while today is frigid, it’s not quite historic—yet.
Stay safe and warm, Thunder Bay! Check on your loved ones, keep the pets indoors, and treat yourself to a hot chocolate (or two). Frostbite may be a few minutes away, but the weekend isn’t—keep your mittens crossed for warmer weather ahead.
