Lake Superior’s Wintry Punch Packs a Wallop for North Shore Communities
A Snowfall Warning is in effect for Nipigon, Rossport, and Lake Helen with up to 25 cm of snow, gusty winds, and hazardous travel from Sunday into Monday
Nipigon – Lake Helen – Red Rock First Nation – Rossport, ON – Sunday, March 23, 2025 – If you thought spring was about to bloom along Lake Superior’s north shore, think again. A Snowfall Warning is in effect this morning through Monday for Nipigon, Rossport, Lake Helen, and surrounding communities, with 15 to 25 cm of snow expected. Yes, you read that right—up to a full quarter metre of fluffy, blowing, visibility-ruining snow. March in the North is never boring.
Current Conditions – Cold and Calm Before the Chaos
As of 6:00 AM EDT, it’s -16.2°C at Cameron Falls with calm winds and an 86% humidity reading. While the snow hasn’t started just yet, the barometric pressure is falling (101.7 kPa), signaling that this system is gearing up. Visibility conditions are currently okay—but not for long. It’s a morning to enjoy your coffee indoors before the real action begins.
Wind chills are harsh to start, with a “feels-like” temperature near -23°C, making it a frostbite risk situation for early risers.
Sunday Forecast – Heavy Snow and Wind Gusts on the Way
Snow will begin this morning and become heavy at times, with 10 cm expected during the day. Winds will kick up out of the southeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h by midday, reducing visibility and creating drifting snow, especially over open terrain and hills. The daytime high will barely reach -1°C, but it will feel like -7°C in the afternoon and -23°C earlier in the day. UV index? A barely-there 1—you won’t be needing those shades.
Roads and Highways?
Tonight – More Snowfall, Blustery Breezes, and a Frigid Finish
Snow continues into the night with an additional 5 to 10 cm expected. Winds will shift from southeast to light in the evening before flipping north at 20 km/h by morning. The overnight low drops to -5°C, with a wind chill near -11°C. Travel conditions will likely be at their worst after dark, so if you don’t have to be on the road, don’t be.
Monday and Tuesday – Clearing Skies and a Hint of Spring
The snow should finally taper off Monday morning, but not before a final dusting. The rest of the day stays cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries. Winds will remain from the north at 20 km/h, keeping the high to a modest -2°C and a wind chill around -11°C.
Monday night brings more clouds and a 30% chance of lingering flurries, with temperatures dipping to -10°C.
Tuesday finally offers some hope: a mix of sun and cloud and a high of +1°C—the first step toward something resembling spring. The night clears out entirely with a low of -13°C, a crisp but calm end to a chaotic stretch of weather.
What to Wear – Everything But the Patio Shorts
This is not a day for fashion statements. Bundle up in full winter gear—insulated jackets, snow boots, mittens, scarf, and toque. With snow blowing and wind chills well below freezing, today is about survival chic. Tomorrow improves, but it’ll still feel wintry—layers remain your best friend through Tuesday.
Local Weather Trivia – North Shore’s Snowy Legacy
March 23rd has a reputation around here. The warmest recorded day for the region was a sunny 9.8°C in 2010, while the coldest dropped to a bone-rattling -27.4°C in 1974. Today’s mix of heavy snow, wind gusts, and frigid wind chills lands us comfortably in the “Yep, that’s March in Northwestern Ontario” category.
