Snowy Start, Arctic Chill Stays in Place
Dryden and Vermilion Bay remain in a deep freeze with wind chills near -32°C overnight. Light snow ends today, with sunny but frigid conditions Thursday.
Dryden and Vermilion Bay are kicking off the day with light snowfall and bone-chilling temperatures. As of 6:23 AM, the temperature is sitting at -21.0°C, with a northwest wind at 8 km/h pushing the wind chill down to a bitter -27°C. Humidity is at 75%, and the barometric pressure is at 104.1 kPa. Visibility is reduced to 10 km due to the snow, but conditions will gradually improve as the day progresses.
Historically, February 19 has been a mix of extremes in this region. The record high for this date was 4.2°C, set in 1994, while the record low plunged to -41.1°C in 1966. While today isn’t record-setting, it’s still dangerously cold—definitely a “bundle-up or stay inside” kind of day.
Today: Light Snow Tapers Off, But the Cold Holds Strong
Periods of light snow will continue through the afternoon before finally tapering off, making way for a mix of sun and cloud. Winds will remain light, up to 15 km/h, but that won’t stop the wind chill from making it feel like -28°C this morning and -21°C this afternoon. With these extreme temperatures, frostbite is a serious risk, so be sure to cover any exposed skin. The UV index is low at 1, meaning sunglasses aren’t necessary, but full winter gear is.
Tonight: Clearing, But Even Colder
Skies will clear out this evening, bringing a sharp temperature drop to -24°C. Winds will remain up to 15 km/h, keeping the wind chill at -21°C early on, and a brutal -32°C overnight. If you’re stepping out late, be cautious—frostbite can develop in minutes at these temperatures.
Thursday: Sunshine, But Don’t Expect Warmth
Thursday will bring bright, sunny skies, but don’t let that fool you—it will still be bitterly cold. The morning will start with an extreme wind chill of -32°C, improving slightly to -13°C in the afternoon. The daytime high will reach -10°C, but dressing warmly remains essential. The UV index will be slightly higher at 2, but sunshine alone won’t be enough to warm things up.
Thursday night will be clear, with temperatures dipping to -19°C.
Friday & Beyond: A Slight Warm-Up, More Clouds
Friday will bring increasing clouds with a 40% chance of flurries and a slightly warmer high of -9°C. The night will stay cloudy, with a low of -12°C.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the warming trend slowly continues, but don’t expect spring just yet!
Dress for the Deep Freeze
With wind chills dropping into the -30s, proper winter gear is a must. A heavy insulated coat, thermal base layers, gloves, a hat, and a face covering will help prevent frostbite. If you’re outside for long periods, take frequent breaks to warm up.
Fun Weather Fact: Dryden’s Ice Sculpture Legacy
Did you know that Dryden has a history of amazing ice sculptures during the winter? The town has hosted some incredible displays, proving that when life gives you extreme cold, you make art out of ice!
