A Snowy Start to the Week in Northwestern Ontario

Kenora weather: Flurries and gusty winds today, with snow squalls and blowing snow Monday. Wind chills as low as -24°C this week. Winter is in full swing!

Kenora and the Lake of the Woods region are in for classic winter conditions this week, with flurries, gusty winds, and frigid temperatures dominating the forecast. With wind chills making it feel significantly colder, it’s time to dust off your heaviest winter gear and prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.

Current Conditions in Kenora

As of 6:00 AM CST, Kenora Airport is reporting light snow with a temperature of -13°C. The humidity is 86%, and the wind from the south-southwest at 14 km/h is making it feel much colder, with a wind chill of -20°C. Visibility is a solid 24 km for now, but flurries later in the day could reduce that. The barometric pressure is at 101.7 kPa but falling, signaling that the region is in for some unsettled weather.

Sunday’s Forecast: Flurries and Chilly Winds

The rest of today will be mainly cloudy, with a 40% chance of flurries. Winds will pick up, becoming southwest at 20 km/h and gusting to 40 km/h this morning, adding to the chill. Temperatures will rise to a high of -5°C, but the wind chill will make it feel like -24°C this morning and -12°C by the afternoon.

With conditions feeling this frosty, make sure to layer up before heading outdoors, and don’t forget your hat and gloves—frostbite loves to lurk in wind chills this cold.

Tonight: Gusty Winds Continue

Cloudy skies will linger tonight, along with a 40% chance of flurries early in the evening. Southwest winds will strengthen to 30 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h, so expect some blowing snow and reduced visibility in open areas. The temperature will drop to -5°C, but with the wind chill, it’ll feel more like -13°C.

Monday: Snow Squalls and Blowing Snow

Monday will be a day to watch for tricky travel conditions. The morning brings a 40% chance of flurries, with heavier snow expected to begin mid-morning and taper off by the afternoon. There’s a risk of snow squalls late in the morning and early afternoon, which could reduce visibility significantly. Local blowing snow will add to the challenge, especially in open or rural areas.

Winds will shift west at 30 km/h, gusting up to 60 km/h, and later turn north at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h by midday. Temperatures will rise to a high of -2°C in the morning but fall steadily to -12°C by the afternoon. With wind chills factored in, it will feel like -9°C early on and a brisk -19°C later in the day.

The UV index will remain at 1 (low), so you won’t need to worry about sunburn—just frostbite!

Monday Night: Cold and Cloudy

Monday night will stay cloudy, with a 40% chance of flurries. The temperature will drop to a low of -12°C, so it’s shaping up to be another frosty night in Kenora.

Tuesday: Snow Returns

Tuesday will bring periods of snow to the region, with a high temperature of -3°C—warmer than recent days, but still well below freezing. By Tuesday night, the skies will clear somewhat, but the low will plummet to -17°C, so don’t get too comfortable!

What to Wear and How to Prepare

• Today and Tonight: Dress for wind chills as low as -24°C this morning and -13°C tonight. A heavy winter coat, scarf, gloves, and insulated boots are all must-haves.
• Monday: The risk of snow squalls and blowing snow makes visibility a concern. If you’re driving, allow extra time and keep your vehicle stocked with emergency supplies. Layers are key to staying warm, as wind chills will hover between -9°C and -19°C throughout the day.
• Tuesday: With snow returning and temperatures dropping again overnight, keep your cold-weather essentials close at hand.

Weather History: January 26 in Kenora

Kenora has seen its fair share of wild weather on January 26. The record high for this date was a toasty 4.7°C in 2006, while the record low was a frigid -41.2°C in 1899. While today’s weather isn’t shattering any records, the combination of gusty winds and snow squalls keeps things interesting.

Final Thoughts: Wintry Weather in Full Swing

Kenora and the Lake of the Woods region are settling into a classic Northwestern Ontario winter pattern: gusty winds, flurries, and snow squalls will make for a snowy and chilly start to the week. Whether you’re out shoveling snow, braving the roads, or staying indoors, make sure you’re prepared for changing conditions and icy wind chills. Stay warm, drive safe, and keep the hot cocoa close by!