Winter Weather Advisory Issued: Brace for Blowing Snow and Slippery Roads
A Windy and Snowy Start to the Week
Winter weather advisory issued for Sault Ste. Marie: snow, blowing snow, and gusty winds up to 80 km/h make travel hazardous today. Prepare for the chill!
Sault Ste. Marie is under a Winter Weather Travel Advisory today, with challenging conditions expected to dominate the area. Snowfall amounts near 5 cm, strong winds gusting up to 80 km/h, and reduced visibility due to blowing snow will make this a day to approach with caution—especially if you’re traveling. Conditions will become particularly hazardous this afternoon as a sharp cold front sweeps through, bringing bursts of heavy snow, blowing snow, and a rapid temperature drop.
Currently, the temperature at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport is -3°C, with a wind chill that makes it feel like -9°C. Winds are blowing from the southwest at 25 km/h, gusting to 42 km/h, and the barometric pressure is falling, sitting at 99.9 kPa. Humidity levels are relatively low at 60%, but don’t let that fool you—this storm system is poised to deliver.
Snow is expected to begin this morning, with visibility decreasing as winds strengthen, hitting west 40 km/h and gusting up to 80 km/h. Local blowing snow will persist throughout the day. The high temperature will climb to just -1°C, but it will feel much colder, with a wind chill of -14°C in the morning and -9°C in the afternoon.
Tonight: A Bitterly Cold Night with Blowing Snow
The flurries will continue into the evening before tapering off near midnight, leaving partly cloudy skies. Another 2 cm of snow could accumulate before the system moves on. Winds will remain gusty, coming from the northwest at 40 km/h and gusting to 70 km/h, before easing slightly to 20 km/h overnight.
Temperatures will drop significantly tonight, with a low of -17°C and a wind chill that will make it feel like a biting -25°C. Frostbite is a real risk overnight, so if you must be outside, make sure every inch of skin is covered and protected from the icy winds.
Tuesday: Snow Returns
Tuesday starts off cloudy with a 30% chance of flurries in the morning. By midday, snow will return, adding another 5 cm of accumulation to the area. Winds will pick up in the afternoon, coming from the south at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h. The high temperature will reach -6°C, but it will feel much colder due to the wind chill: -21°C in the morning and -13°C by the afternoon.
Tuesday night continues the snowy trend with more flurries and a low of -6°C.
Midweek Outlook: A Slight Warm-Up
Wednesday will bring cloudy skies with a 30% chance of flurries and breezy conditions, with a high of -3°C. Temperatures will remain cold overnight with a low of -7°C and a continued chance of flurries.
By Thursday, we might see a glimpse of sunshine amidst the clouds, with a mix of sun and cloud and a 40% chance of flurries. Temperatures will rise slightly to a high of -2°C, though the chill of winter will still be firmly in the air.
Historical Weather Trivia
On this date in Sault Ste. Marie’s weather history, the warmest January 27 occurred in 1989, when temperatures soared to +7.4°C. The coldest January 27 on record was an icy -33.3°C in 1972. While today’s conditions don’t set any records, the wind chill and blowing snow are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Wardrobe Wisdom
With snow, gusty winds, and freezing temperatures in today’s forecast, layering up is the name of the game. Opt for a heavy winter coat, insulated gloves, and snow boots with good traction. A windproof scarf or balaclava is essential to protect your face from frostbite during tonight’s extreme wind chill. If you’re driving, pack an emergency kit—Sudbury’s weather is a reminder that you never know what’s ahead!
