Chilly Temperatures Dominate Thunder Bay’s Forecast

Thunder Bay weather: Flurries and cold wind chills today, snow squalls Monday with blowing snow. Wind chills as low as -21°C this week. Bundle up and stay safe!

Thunder Bay is embracing a true northern Ontario winter this week, with cold temperatures, brisk winds, and a mix of flurries and snow showers on the way. If you’ve been enjoying the crisp air and snowy scenery, you’re in luck—it’s sticking around. Just be prepared to bundle up, as wind chills are keeping things extra frosty.

Current Conditions in Thunder Bay

As of 8:00 AM EST, the temperature at Thunder Bay Airport sits at -14.0°C under mostly cloudy skies. The humidity is 72%, and the wind from the west at 12 km/h makes it feel like a frosty -21°C. Visibility is excellent at 32 km, though that could change if flurries develop later in the day. Barometric pressure is at 101.9 kPa but falling, hinting at some unsettled weather on the horizon.

Sunday’s Forecast: Clouds and Chilly Winds

The rest of today will remain mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of flurries creeping in during the day. Winds will stay light from the west but may pick up slightly, leading to a wind chill of around -21°C this morning and -12°C by the afternoon as the day’s high temperature reaches -5°C.

The UV index is a low 1, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the warm winter accessories—frostbite can still be a concern with these wind chills.

Tonight: Cloudy and Cool

Tonight will remain cloudy, with a 40% chance of flurries in the evening. Temperatures will drop to a low of -6°C, with winds from the southwest picking up to 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h. This will create a wind chill of around -14°C, so keep your winter gear handy.

Monday: Snow Squalls and Blowing Snow

Monday will bring more active weather to Thunder Bay, with mainly cloudy skies and a 40% chance of flurries in the morning. Heavier flurries are expected to begin by late morning, accompanied by a risk of snow squalls that could create periods of low visibility. Local blowing snow late in the morning and into the afternoon may also make travel challenging, especially in open areas.

The winds will shift, starting from the southwest at 30 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, before turning northwest near noon at similar speeds. Morning temperatures will hover near -2°C but will drop to around -10°C in the afternoon. The wind chill will range from -9°C in the morning to -16°C later in the day.

Monday Night: Deep Freeze

Monday night will remain cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries. The temperature will plummet to a low of -17°C, with the wind chill making it feel even colder. Expect a bitterly cold evening, perfect for staying indoors by the fire.

Tuesday: Snow and Subzero Temps

Tuesday will bring periods of snow to the area, with a high of -5°C—one of the milder days in the forecast. However, the low on Tuesday night will drop to -18°C, keeping Thunder Bay locked in a deep freeze.

Looking Ahead to Wednesday

Wednesday’s forecast offers a mix of sun and cloud, with temperatures staying cold, hitting a high of -12°C. Overnight lows will remain frigid, dropping to -19°C. The extended forecast keeps Thunder Bay in the grip of winter’s chill, so don’t expect a warmup anytime soon.

Wardrobe and Travel Tips

• Today: With a wind chill of -21°C in the morning, dress in layers and make sure to wear a scarf, gloves, and a warm hat. If you’re walking or commuting, insulated boots are a must.
• Monday: With blowing snow and the risk of snow squalls, visibility on the roads may change quickly. If you’re driving, slow down, give yourself extra time, and carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Tuesday: More snow means you’ll want to keep that shovel nearby. Dress for wind chills, as they’ll make the colder days feel even more frigid.

Weather History: January 26 in Thunder Bay

January 26 has seen its share of winter extremes in Thunder Bay. The record high for this date was a surprising 6.3°C in 1942, while the record low was a bone-chilling -40.0°C in 1951. While this year’s forecast isn’t breaking any records, the cold and snow certainly remind us of the region’s wintry reputation.

Final Thoughts: Winter Weather in Full Force

Thunder Bay’s weather this week is shaping up to be a wintry mix of flurries, snow squalls, and icy wind chills. Whether you’re shoveling snow, braving the roads, or simply admiring the snowy views from indoors, make sure you’re prepared for cold temperatures and rapidly changing conditions. Stay warm, stay safe, and embrace the beauty of winter—after all, it’s here to stay for now.