Bitter Cold with a Side of Flurries
Thunder Bay faces bitter cold with wind chills near -35°C. Flurries and frostbite risks continue through midweek, with a slight warm-up by Thursday
Thunder Bay is off to a frigid start this morning, with temperatures sitting at a bone-chilling -24°C. Light snow is falling, adding to the winter wonderland—though “wonder” might not be the first word that comes to mind when stepping outside. The humidity is at 68%, and winds from the west at 12 km/h are making it feel even colder, with a wind chill of -33°C. The pressure is at 102.3 kPa and rising, meaning conditions may stabilize, but that won’t stop the cold from biting.
Today brings a mix of sun and clouds with a 30% chance of flurries this morning. Winds will pick up, shifting northwest at 20 km/h and gusting up to 40 km/h. The high will reach -18°C, but don’t be fooled—the wind chill will make it feel like -35°C in the morning and -28°C in the afternoon. Frostbite can set in within minutes, so covering exposed skin is a must. The UV index remains low at 1.
Tonight: Clear but Dangerously Cold
Skies will clear up a bit, but the temperatures will remain unforgiving. Winds will continue from the northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, with a low of -23°C. The wind chill will drop to -28°C in the evening and plummet to -34°C overnight, making frostbite a serious concern. It’s a night for staying indoors with a hot drink and a thick blanket.
Tuesday & Beyond: Cold with Some Relief by Thursday
Tuesday will be another cold one, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of -14°C. Winds will persist at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, making for a wind chill of -34°C in the morning and -22°C in the afternoon. By night, cloudy periods with a 30% chance of flurries return, along with a low of -19°C.
Wednesday follows a similar pattern, with a mix of sun and clouds and a 30% chance of flurries. The high will reach -12°C, but nighttime lows dip back to -19°C.
By Thursday, some relief arrives as temperatures climb to a relatively “mild” -6°C under partly cloudy skies. Nighttime, however, reminds us winter isn’t done yet, with temperatures sinking to -21°C.
How to Dress for This Arctic Chill
If you’re heading outside, full winter gear is non-negotiable. A thermal base layer, a heavy insulated coat, and windproof outerwear are essential. A warm hat, scarf, gloves (preferably mittens), and insulated boots are a must. Any exposed skin is at risk of frostbite in just minutes, so layering up is key.
Thunder Bay Weather Trivia: Did You Know?
Thunder Bay’s coldest recorded temperature was a staggering -41°C on January 10, 1982! While today’s -24°C is nothing to scoff at, it’s still far from the region’s record-breaking deep freezes.
