Dangerous Travel Conditions with Snow Squalls and High Winds Persist
Sault Ste. Marie weather: Snow squalls and gusty winds create hazardous travel conditions. Strong winds up to 80 km/h and flurries expected Monday. Stay safe!
Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island are facing a double dose of winter weather drama: snow squalls and strong winds are combining to create hazardous conditions for travel. From reduced visibility to gusty winds threatening tree branches and power lines, winter is showing its teeth. Buckle up and prepare for some challenging weather over the next few days.
Current Conditions in Sault Ste. Marie
As of 7:00 AM EST, the temperature at Sault Ste. Marie Airport is -5.7°C, with light snow showers and drifting snow reducing visibility. Winds are blowing from the northwest at 35 km/h, gusting up to 47 km/h, which makes it feel like a frosty -14°C with the wind chill. Humidity is sitting at 81%, and the pressure is rising at 101.8 kPa.
Snow Squall Warning: What to Expect
A Snow Squall Warning remains in effect for Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island, with up to 5 cm of additional snowfall expected early this morning. These snow squalls will bring bursts of heavy snow and blowing snow, leading to sudden visibility drops to near zero. Driving conditions will vary wildly—clear skies in one area could change to blinding snow within a few kilometers. Flurries are forecast to weaken and shift north later this morning, offering brief relief before the next wave of weather arrives.
Special Weather Statement: High Winds Incoming
A Special Weather Statement is also in effect, warning of strong southwesterly winds gusting up to 70-80 km/h starting tonight and continuing into Monday. These winds could toss loose objects, break tree branches, and cause localized power outages. Hold onto your hats, folks—literally!
Sunday’s Forecast: Blowing Snow and Gusty Winds
Flurries are expected to end later this morning, leaving behind mainly cloudy skies. Local blowing snow will persist early this morning, with an additional 2 to 4 cm of snow possible. Winds will continue to blow from the northwest at 30 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h, before shifting to the southwest by late afternoon with the same gusty conditions.
The high for today will reach -6°C, but with a wind chill of -16°C, it’ll feel much colder. Expect a UV index of 1, which is considered low.
Tonight: Winds Ramp Up
Tonight, skies will remain mostly cloudy, with a 40% chance of flurries early in the evening. Strong southwest winds will intensify to 40 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h. Temperatures will dip to a low of -7°C, and the wind chill will make it feel closer to -17°C. With blowing snow and gusty winds, it’ll be a night for staying cozy indoors.
Monday: Snow Squalls and Blowing Snow
Monday will be a challenging day for travel, with a 60% chance of morning flurries giving way to heavier snow by late morning. There’s a risk of snow squalls in the afternoon, with localized blowing snow further complicating conditions. Snowfall amounts could reach 2 to 4 cm, adding to the already wintry scene.
Winds will continue from the southwest at 40 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h. The high temperature will climb to -1°C, but with a morning wind chill of -15°C and -9°C by the afternoon, winter gear is a must.
Monday Night: Snow and Bitter Cold
Flurries will continue into Monday night as temperatures plunge to a low of -14°C. With the wind still gusting, it’s going to feel exceptionally cold, so don’t skimp on the layers if you’re outdoors.
Tuesday: Flurries Continue
Tuesday will be cloudy with flurries sticking around through the day and a high of -5°C. By Tuesday night, heavier snow is expected to move in, with a low of -9°C, keeping Sault Ste. Marie locked in a wintry grip.
Wardrobe and Travel Tips
Today and tomorrow will demand your best winter gear. Heavy coats, scarves, gloves, and windproof hats are essential. Make sure your boots have good traction, as blowing snow could make sidewalks and roads slick. If you’re driving, be ready for sudden visibility changes and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
For those venturing out tonight and Monday, goggles or glasses might help protect your eyes from the blowing snow. And don’t forget to secure loose objects outdoors before those strong southwest winds kick in!
A Look Back at January 26 in Sault Ste. Marie
Historically, January 26 in Sault Ste. Marie has seen everything from record highs of 7.6°C in 1944 to frigid lows of -31.7°C in 1963. Today’s forecast falls comfortably in the middle of that spectrum, but the snow squalls and gusty winds make it anything but comfortable.
Final Thoughts: Winter’s Fury
Sault Ste. Marie is in for a wintry ride, with snow squalls, gusty winds, and blowing snow creating dangerous travel conditions today and Monday. Stay warm, stay safe, and if you’re lucky enough to be indoors, grab a warm drink and enjoy watching the winter drama unfold from the comfort of home.
