Bitter Cold Grips the Region, But Milder Days Are Coming
Kenora faces bitter cold with wind chills near -30°C today, but a weekend warm-up is coming with snow on Sunday
Kenora and the Lake of the Woods region are starting Thursday in a frigid deep freeze, with the temperature at -22.9°C as of 6:00 AM at the airport. The skies are mainly clear, but don’t let that fool you—the north-northwest wind at 11 km/h is driving the wind chill down to a bone-rattling -31°C. Humidity sits at 65%, and the barometric pressure is at 103.9 kPa and rising, signaling stable conditions, though the cold isn’t going anywhere fast.
Today’s Forecast: Sunny, But Freezing Cold
Despite the bright sunshine, temperatures remain locked in winter’s grip. Winds will stay light at up to 15 km/h, but that’s still enough to keep the wind chill at -30°C this morning before improving slightly to -14°C in the afternoon. The high for the day will only reach -11°C, so if you’re heading out, layer up! The UV index is low at 2, but snow glare can still be a factor, so sunglasses might help.
Tonight: Clear and Cold, But Winds Shift
Skies stay clear in the evening, but partly cloudy conditions move in after midnight. Winds shift south at 20 km/h, which will make it feel even colder. The overnight low drops to -19°C, and with the wind picking up, the wind chill will sink to -29°C overnight, once again bringing a risk of frostbite.
Looking Ahead: Gradual Warm-Up, Snow Returns
- Friday, February 21: Mainly cloudy, with a 40% chance of flurries in the afternoon. Winds south at 20 km/h, becoming light early in the afternoon. High of -11°C, but the morning wind chill will be a brutal -28°C, improving to -18°C in the afternoon. Risk of frostbite continues.
- Friday Night: Cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries, low of -14°C.
- Saturday, February 22: Cloudy with a 30% chance of flurries, but a noticeable warm-up to -2°C.
- Saturday Night: Cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries, low of -9°C.
- Sunday, February 23: Cloudy with a 60% chance of snow, but a surprising high of +1°C—the warmest we’ve seen in a while!
- Sunday Night: Periods of snow, low of -2°C.
What to Wear: Frostbite Protection Required
Kenora is stuck in deep freeze mode, so full winter gear is absolutely necessary. A heavy insulated coat, thermal layers, windproof gloves, a scarf, and a hat are must-haves. At -30°C wind chill, frostbite can set in within minutes, so be sure to cover all exposed skin. If you’re spending time outdoors, double up on socks and wear proper winter boots to keep your feet warm.
Kenora Weather Trivia: Ice Road Tradition
Did you know that in particularly cold winters, ice roads across Lake of the Woods can be thick enough to support trucks? The ice can reach over 3 feet (1 meter) thick, allowing locals to drive across frozen lakes instead of taking the long way around. With the frigid temperatures this week, the ice is only getting stronger!
