Special Weather Statement in Effect
Sault Ste. Marie faces a messy mix of rain, snow, and freezing rain through Wednesday. Travel could be hazardous, with flooding risks and icy conditions possible.
SAULT STE. MARIE – WEATHER DESK – A Special Weather Statement is in place for Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island, with a mix of rain, melting snow, and possible snow accumulation north of the city expected from tonight through Wednesday. Forecasts indicate 15 to 25 mm of rainfall, while areas north of the city could see 5 to 10 cm of snow—depending on where the rain-snow line sets up. With the frozen ground unable to absorb all this moisture, localized flooding and water pooling on roads are possible.
Current Conditions (March 4, 2025 – 7:00 AM EST)
At Sault Ste. Marie Airport, it’s currently -0.9°C with misty conditions. Humidity is at 100%, making for a damp and chilly morning. The east-northeast wind at 15 km/h drops the wind chill to -6°C. Barometric pressure is 100.8 kPa and falling, signaling the approaching storm system. Visibility is 10 km, so travel isn’t too bad—for now.
Historically, March 4 has seen some big temperature swings in Sault Ste. Marie. The warmest recorded temperature on this date was 12.2°C, while the coldest was -29.0°C.
Today’s Forecast: A Messy Mix of Flurries, Rain, and Ice Pellets
Expect a mixed bag of precipitation today. A few flurries will transition to rain and ice pellets this morning before tapering off by noon. The sky will remain cloudy with a 40% chance of rain showers throughout the afternoon. There’s also a risk of freezing drizzle, so roads and sidewalks could become slick. The temperature will climb to 4°C, with a UV index of 2 (low).
Tonight, cloudy conditions continue with a 40% chance of showers early in the evening before steady rain begins. Northern sections of the region could see snow instead of rain, with up to 2 cm of accumulation. Fog patches may develop, reducing visibility. Rainfall could reach 5 to 10 mm, and the temperature will hold steady at 2°C.
Wednesday: Rain for Some, Snow for Others
Rain will continue for most of the region, but northern areas could see snow instead. By late afternoon, there’s a risk of freezing rain, adding to the travel headaches. Any morning fog will clear, but by then, roads could already be slick. Rainfall totals could reach 5 to 10 mm, while snowfall in northern sections may reach 5 cm. The wind will pick up from the northeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, keeping things chilly despite a steady temperature of 2°C.
By Wednesday night, the system transitions fully to snow, with temperatures dropping to -10°C.
Thursday and Beyond: Winter Holds On
Thursday will be cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries, and temperatures stay cold with a high of -3°C. By night, more cloudy periods with a 60% chance of flurries keep the wintry feel, and the low will be -6°C.
Friday offers a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of flurries, with a high of -4°C. The cold sticks around into the night, with cloudy periods and a low of -13°C.
Wardrobe Recommendations
This is a day for layers and waterproof gear. A warm, insulated jacket, gloves, and a hat are essential. If you’re in southern areas, rain boots and an umbrella will be useful. For those in northern sections expecting snow, winter boots with good traction are a must. Be extra cautious on icy sidewalks and roads—it’s going to be a slick one.
Weather Trivia: The Great Lakes and the Rain-Snow Battle
Did you know that Lake Superior plays a big role in Sault Ste. Marie’s unpredictable winter weather? The lake helps create temperature contrasts, making it hard to predict exactly where rain will turn to snow. This “rain-snow line” can shift by just a few kilometers, meaning one side of town could be getting rain while the other is buried in snow!
