Bitter Cold and Light Snow to Start the Day
Thunder Bay weather: -28°C this morning with a wind chill of -34°C. Snow and warming to -10°C this afternoon. Weekend brings flurries and gusty winds
Thunder Bay is in full winter mode this morning, with temperatures sitting at an icy -28°C as of 9:07 AM EST. The light snow falling is accompanied by a gentle west-southwest breeze at 5 km/h, making it feel like a bone-chilling -34°C. Humidity is at 74%, and visibility is excellent at 32 km despite the light snowfall. The barometric pressure stands at 101.9 kPa and is falling, signaling changes later in the day.
Friday: From Frostbite Risks to Afternoon Clouds
Today, increasing cloudiness will dominate the skies as we move into the afternoon. Winds will shift to the southwest, picking up to 20 km/h with gusts up to 40 km/h before easing late this afternoon. The temperature will rise significantly to a high of -10°C, but wind chills will make it feel like -37°C this morning and -15°C this afternoon. The frostbite risk remains high, especially in the morning, so bundle up if you’re stepping out. The UV index remains low at 1, so your main concern is staying warm, not shielding your eyes.
Friday Night: Flurries and Steady Cold
Tonight, flurries are expected to continue, adding about 2 cm of fresh snow to the ground. Winds will remain light at up to 15 km/h, and the temperature will hold steady near -15°C. The wind chill will hover around -14°C in the evening and drop to a frosty -19°C overnight. It’s the kind of night to stay indoors with hot chocolate in hand!
Saturday: A Gusty Day with Afternoon Flurries
Saturday will bring cloudy skies and a 40% chance of flurries in the afternoon. Winds will pick up again, shifting to the northwest at 30 km/h with gusts up to 50 km/h, which could make for some blowing snow in open areas. The high temperature will reach -5°C, but wind chills will still be a factor, feeling like -19°C in the morning and improving slightly to -8°C by the afternoon.
Saturday night will bring cloudy periods and a continued 30% chance of flurries. The temperature will dip to -18°C, so keep those warm layers handy.
Sunday: A Sun and Cloud Mix
Sunday will bring a mix of sun and cloud, with a 40% chance of flurries and a high of -6°C. Sunday night follows with similar conditions, with a low of -7°C and a lingering 40% chance of snow.
Historical Weather Fact for January 24
Thunder Bay has seen some dramatic weather extremes on this date in history. The warmest temperature recorded on January 24 was 4.2°C in 1942, while the record low plunged to -39.2°C in 1970. While today is cold, it’s far from the frostiest this city has endured!
Wardrobe Recommendations
With frostbite risks this morning, heavy-duty winter gear is essential. Layer up with a thermal base, fleece or wool, and a windproof parka. Insulated gloves or mittens, a scarf, and a toque are must-haves, as are lined winter boots. Make sure no skin is exposed to the biting wind chill. If you’re heading out tonight, waterproof footwear is a good idea to navigate the fresh snow.
Did You Know?
Thunder Bay’s weather is influenced by its location near Lake Superior, which can moderate temperatures and increase snowfall through lake-effect snow. The lake’s vast surface can create a unique microclimate, often resulting in rapidly changing weather conditions. It’s why Thunder Bay is a haven for winter weather enthusiasts who love skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice fishing!
