Snow, Reduced Visibility, and Windy Conditions Dominate the Forecast
Residents of Thunder Bay are waking up to a snowy Tuesday as an Alberta Clipper barrels through Northwestern Ontario. Environment Canada has issued a Winter Weather Travel Advisory, forecasting 10 to 15 cm of snowfall alongside reduced visibility in heavy snow.
The storm will ease into lighter flurries by late this afternoon, but not before making travel tricky for much of the day.
Tuesday Morning: Snow, Wind, and Cold
At 7:00 AM EST, Thunder Bay is already experiencing light snow and a chilly temperature of -17°C. The humidity is at 78%, with a barometric pressure of 100.3 kPa and light southerly winds at 4 km/h. The wind chill factor makes it feel closer to -20°C, and visibility is reduced to just 1.6 km, adding to the travel challenges.
As the morning progresses, snow will intensify, with 10 cm expected by early afternoon. Winds will pick up from the northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, by mid-afternoon.
This will create drifting snow and further reduce visibility. The high temperature for the day will be -5°C, but the wind chill will make it feel like -24°C this morning and -12°C later in the afternoon.
Tonight: Flurries and Cold Winds Persist
Flurries will continue this evening and taper off overnight, with an additional 2 to 4 cm of snowfall possible. Winds from the northwest will persist at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, keeping things blustery. The low temperature will dip to -13°C, with wind chills of -10°C this evening and -20°C overnight.
Looking Ahead: Wednesday and Thursday
Wednesday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of morning flurries. The northwest wind will continue at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, keeping temperatures cold. The high will be -9°C, with wind chills ranging from -22°C in the morning to -17°C in the afternoon. The UV index will remain low at 1, so no need to break out the sunscreen just yet!
Thursday promises a slight break in the deep freeze, with a high near 0°C and a mix of sun and cloud, but there’s still a 40% chance of flurries to keep things interesting. Overnight, expect a low of -13°C under partly cloudy skies.
Historic Temperatures for January 28
On this date, Thunder Bay has seen a wide range of weather extremes. The record high temperature was 6.6°C, set in 2006, while the record low plunged to -37.2°C, way back in 1981. Today’s forecast might feel chilly, but at least it’s nowhere near the frigid records of the past!
Driving in the Storm: Stay Safe, Stay Smart
Snow-covered and slippery roads, combined with reduced visibility, will make driving hazardous today. If you need to travel, be sure to:
- Slow down and leave extra space between you and the car ahead.
- Turn on your headlights to improve visibility.
- Pack an emergency kit, including a blanket, flashlight, and some snacks, just in case you get stuck.
Remember, if the weather looks too risky, there’s no shame in staying home and letting the plows do their job.
Wardrobe Tips: Layer Up to Battle the Chill
A heavy winter jacket, insulated boots, gloves, and a scarf are essential today. With wind chills making it feel like the low -20s at times, don’t skimp on the layers! A toque is a must, and if you’re spending more than a few minutes outside, thermal socks will make all the difference.
Weather Trivia: Why Do We Call It a Clipper?
The term “Alberta Clipper” originates from the Prairies of Alberta, where these fast-moving winter storms often develop. The name is inspired by “clipper” ships, which were famous for their speed. Like their nautical namesakes, these weather systems move swiftly across Canada, bringing snow, wind, and cold temperatures in their wake.
