Thunder Bay Braces for Alberta Clipper Snow Wallop
Winter Storm Watch in Effect Ahead of Sunday-Monday Blast
THUNDER BAY – WEATHER REPORT – March 21, 2025 (Evening Edition): Thunder Bay is on alert this weekend as Environment Canada issues a Winter Storm Watch for the region, warning of significant snowfall beginning Sunday morning and continuing into Monday.
If you’ve been itching for one last snow adventure—or a reason to cancel plans—Mother Nature may have just answered.
Snowstorm Brewing: Alberta Clipper Set to Sweep In
Currently sitting at -1.5°C under mostly cloudy skies, conditions are deceptively calm—like the prelude to a very snowy opera.
The barometric pressure is at 100.3 kPa and rising, indicating changing weather is afoot. Humidity is sitting low at 43%, and the wind is howling out of the north-northwest at 30 km/h, gusting up to 52 km/h, delivering a brisk wind chill of -8. Visibility remains excellent at 32 km, but don’t get used to it—whiteout conditions could soon be the theme of your Sunday brunch.
As the Alberta Clipper gears up for its dramatic entrance, snowfall accumulations of 15 to 25 cm are expected, especially over higher terrain. Not only will snow fall heavily at times, but visibility may drop rapidly, making travel difficult and potentially dangerous.
The Calm Before the Storm: Weekend Outlook
Tonight, skies will gradually clear but there’s still a 40% chance of lingering flurries early this evening. Winds from the northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40, will ease up overnight.
Temperatures are expected to plunge to -17°C, with a harsh overnight wind chill of -22. Bundle up like a burrito if you’re stepping out.
Saturday is shaping up to be deceptively beautiful with sunny skies and light winds up to 15 km/h. The high will only reach -4°C, and it’ll feel like a deep freezer early on with a morning wind chill of -23. By afternoon, it should feel closer to -8°C. UV index is moderate at 3, so don’t forget those sunglasses—sunlight on snow can be blinding. The night brings a partly cloudy sky with a 40% chance of flurries and a low of -10°C. Wind chills will drop to around -15 overnight.
Sunday and Monday: Snow Takes Centre Stage
By Sunday, the Alberta Clipper takes full command of the weather narrative. Expect widespread snow throughout the day, with a high near the freezing mark at 0°C. As the sun sets, snow will continue into the night, with temperatures dipping to -4°C. Travel plans? Best to reconsider.
What to Wear and Weather Trivia
Dress like you’re heading to a polar expedition—layer up with thermal base layers, insulated jackets, warm boots, and don’t skip the mitts. That sun on Saturday may tempt you, but Sunday’s storm could be downright treacherous.
Historic high for March 21 in Thunder Bay was a balmy 16.1°C, while the record low plunges to a frigid -31.7°C. Let’s just say, the weather likes to keep things interesting in Northwestern Ontario.
Weather Trivia:
Did you know? Thunder Bay is one of the snowiest cities in Canada, averaging nearly 275 cm of snow per year. Alberta Clippers like the one heading this way are fast-moving systems that originate in—you guessed it—Alberta, and they can pack a serious snowy punch.
