Brutal Wind Chills Bring Dangerous Frostbite Risks
Kenora and the Lake of the Woods region remain under an Extreme Cold Warning, with wind chills near -40°C this morning. Frostbite risk is high, and cold persists all weekend
Kenora and the surrounding Grassy Narrows, Whitedog First Nation, and Lake of the Woods region are experiencing extreme cold conditions this morning, with temperatures dropping to -28.5°C and wind chills making it feel like -40°C. The Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect, as frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin. While temperatures will moderate slightly later in the day, the frigid air mass remains locked in place through the weekend.
Current Conditions in Kenora & Region
As of 5:00 AM CST, skies are mainly clear, and the temperature sits at a bitter -28.5°C. The west-southwest wind at 5 km/h is bringing the wind chill down to -34°C. Humidity is 79%, and the barometric pressure is at 102.4 kPa and steady, indicating stable but brutally cold weather. Visibility remains excellent at 32 km, though most people will probably prefer to view it from indoors.
Today’s Forecast: Sunny but Freezing Cold
The sun will be shining today, but don’t expect it to bring much warmth. Winds will remain light, up to 15 km/h, but wind chills will hover around -40°C this morning, only improving to -28°C this afternoon. With temperatures like this, exposed skin can freeze in just minutes, so if you’re heading outside, dress in full winter gear.
Tonight: Even Colder—Wind Chill Near -35°C
Clouds will increase this evening, but the cold won’t budge. The overnight low will drop to -28°C, and the wind chill will make it feel like a painful -35°C. This is dangerously cold weather, so if you’re out late, be sure to bundle up and keep emergency supplies in your vehicle.
Friday: A Slightly Milder Deep Freeze
Valentine’s Day will bring a mix of sun and cloud, but the Arctic chill isn’t leaving just yet. The high will reach -17°C, but the morning wind chill will be -33°C, improving only slightly to -24°C in the afternoon.
Friday night will be clear with a low of -27°C—another night to stay inside with a warm drink.
Weekend Outlook: Cold and Clear
- Saturday: Sunny, high of -18°C
- Saturday Night: Clear, low of -29°C
- Sunday: Sunny, high of -20°C
- Sunday Night: Clear, low of -31°C
The trend? Cold, clear, and relentless. The deep freeze will continue into next week, so expect more frosty mornings and bitter nights ahead.
What to Wear Today?
This is extreme cold territory, meaning full winter gear is a must. Wear a heavy insulated coat, thermal base layers, thick gloves, a toque, a scarf, and insulated boots. If you’re outside for any length of time, ensure no skin is exposed, as frostbite can set in within minutes.
Kenora Weather Trivia!
Did you know? The coldest temperature ever recorded in Kenora was -43.9°C on January 20, 1943! While today isn’t quite that extreme, it’s still a stark reminder of how brutal Northern Ontario winters can be.
