Snowy Day Ahead for Dryden and Vermilion Bay
Alberta Clipper Brings Snowfall and Slippery Travel Conditions
Dryden and Vermilion Bay are under a Winter Weather Travel Advisory this Tuesday as an Alberta Clipper sweeps across Northwestern Ontario. The storm is expected to bring 5 to 10 cm of snowfall, along with reduced visibility in heavy snow, creating challenging travel conditions for much of the morning and afternoon.
Current Conditions in Dryden
At 6:07 AM CST, light snow is falling over Dryden, with a temperature of -13.4°C. The humidity is at 85%, while the barometric pressure sits at 99.3 kPa and falling, indicating the system’s approach. Winds are blowing from the south-southeast at 17 km/h, producing a bitter wind chill of -21°C. Visibility is reduced to 10 km, which will likely drop further as snow intensifies throughout the morning.
Tuesday Forecast: Snow and Gusty Winds
Snow will pick up during the morning, with 5 to 10 cm expected by the time it tapers off this afternoon. Winds will shift to the northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, later this morning, creating blowing snow and potentially hazardous driving conditions. Temperatures will rise to a high of -4°C, but the wind chill will remain a factor, making it feel like -24°C this morning and -10°C this afternoon.
Tonight: Flurries and Frigid Temperatures
Flurries will linger into the evening, with an additional 2 cm of snow possible, before ending near midnight. Skies will remain cloudy overnight, with winds continuing from the northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h. The low temperature will drop to -17°C, and the wind chill will make it feel like a frosty -24°C.
Looking Ahead: Midweek Cold Snap
Wednesday will feature a mix of sun and cloud, along with chilly conditions. Winds will ease slightly, blowing at up to 15 km/h, but the high temperature will only reach -11°C, with wind chills of -25°C in the morning and -16°C in the afternoon.
The cold begins to ease slightly by Thursday, when temperatures climb to a high of -2°C. However, a 30% chance of flurries persists, keeping snow in the forecast. Overnight lows will return to -13°C under partly cloudy skies.
Historic Temperatures for January 28
On this date, Dryden has seen a wide range of extremes. The warmest January 28 on record reached 5.3°C in 1989, while the coldest plunged to -38.2°C in 1996. Today’s conditions may be snowy, but at least the temperature doesn’t require full survival gear!
Driving Conditions: Prepare for the Slippery Stuff
If you need to hit the roads today, be extra cautious as snow and gusty winds are likely to create hazardous conditions.
- Slow down: Speeding on snow-covered roads increases your risk of losing control.
- Keep your distance: Give extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead to avoid sudden stops.
- Watch for reduced visibility: Turn on your headlights, even during the day, to make yourself visible.
- Check your tires: Make sure they’re winter-ready and properly inflated to handle slippery conditions.
If you can, consider delaying travel until conditions improve later in the day.
Wardrobe Advice: Dress for Winter’s Bite
With wind chills in the -20°C to -25°C range, bundling up is essential. Start with thermal layers and add a heavy winter coat, gloves, and a toque. Don’t forget a scarf to protect your face from the wind, and insulated boots to keep your toes warm and dry. You’ll thank yourself when the snow starts to blow!
Weather Trivia: What Makes Alberta Clippers So Fast?
Alberta Clippers are known for their quick pace as they race across the Prairies into Ontario. This is due to their formation in regions of strong jet stream winds, which propel them eastward at high speeds. While they bring lighter snowfalls compared to larger systems like Nor’easters, their rapid movement and gusty winds make them formidable in their own right!
