A Blustery Start to Friday in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay faces drifting snow, gusty winds, and wind chills as low as -25°C this weekend. Expect a mix of sun and cloud, with frigid mornings and clear nights
Thunder Bay wakes up to a wintery morning with drifting snow and a temperature of -13°C at the airport. The humidity sits at 68%, keeping the air dry and crisp, while a west wind at 24 km/h, gusting to 35 km/h, adds an extra bite to the cold, dropping the wind chill to -22°C. The barometric pressure is at 101.9 kPa and rising, signaling a shift in conditions later today. Visibility remains decent at 24 km, but the gusty winds may create some blowing snow on open roads, so drive with caution!
Friday: Chilly but Brighter Skies Ahead
Though the morning starts cloudy, the sky will gradually clear up, leading to a mix of sun and cloud as the day progresses. The west wind of 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, will gradually die down, becoming light by late afternoon. Despite the slight improvement in conditions, the high will only reach -8°C, and the wind chill will remain quite cold—-23°C this morning, improving slightly to -13°C this afternoon. If you’re heading out, bundle up, as the wind will make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.
Tonight, the skies clear up late in the evening, offering a frigid but starry night. Winds remain light at up to 15 km/h, but the temperature drops significantly to -21°C, with a wind chill of -24°C overnight. It’s a night for staying indoors with a warm cup of cocoa!
Saturday: Another Cold Start, But Some Sunshine
Saturday will feature a mix of sun and cloud, with light winds of up to 15 km/h. However, the real story is the frigid morning, where the wind chill will feel like a bone-chilling -25°C. By the afternoon, the temperature will climb to a high of -9°C, and the wind chill will ease slightly to -14°C.
The cold continues into Saturday night, with clear skies and a low of -22°C. If you’re planning to be out late, multiple layers are a must!
Sunday: Sunshine with a Side of Cold
Sunday is shaping up to be a bright but chilly day, with plenty of sunshine and a high of -10°C. Clouds will start rolling in by the evening, bringing a 30% chance of flurries overnight. The low dips to -21°C, so the weekend remains locked in deep winter conditions.
What to Wear? Stay One Step Ahead of the Chill!
With temperatures plunging and wind chills making it feel even colder, layering up is key. A thermal base layer, an insulated mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell will help you brave the outdoors. A hat, scarf, gloves, and warm boots are non-negotiable, especially with wind chills below -20°C in the mornings. If you’re outside for long periods, consider thermal socks and hand warmers—your fingers and toes will thank you!
Thunder Bay Weather Trivia: Record-Breaking Cold!
Did you know the coldest temperature ever recorded in Thunder Bay was -44.3°C on January 10, 1982? While this weekend’s temperatures won’t break records, it’s still a reminder that Northwestern Ontario knows how to bring the winter chill!
