Special Weather Statement Issued as Late-Season Snowstorm Approaches
DRYDEN – VERMILION BAY, ON – March 27, 2025 – It may be spring on the calendar, but don’t put away those snow shovels just yet. A Special Weather Statement is in effect for Dryden and Vermilion Bay, as a significant spring storm is set to roll in late this evening and persist through Friday night, delivering up to 20 cm of snow, blowing winds, and a messy mix of ice pellets and freezing rain near the U.S. border. Travel will be tricky — and snowdrifts could make your driveway feel like a mini ski hill by Saturday morning.
Current Conditions – Cold and Calm Before the Storm
At 4:00 AM CDT from Dryden Airport, it’s currently -3.8°C, with a wind chill of -10°C thanks to northerly winds at 17 km/h. The sky is mostly cloudy, humidity sits at 70%, and pressure is at 102.0 kPa and holding steady — for now.
Today’s weather offers a brief pause before the snow hits. Expect a mix of sun and cloud with a 40% chance of flurries early this morning. Winds will ease through the day, becoming light after a breezy start. The high will reach zero degrees, though this morning’s wind chill of -18°C will keep things brisk. By this afternoon, it will feel closer to -3°C. The UV index sits at 3, so if the sun peeks through, you might get a little glare off the remaining snow.
A Snowy Friday in the Forecast – Travel Not Recommended
Tonight, skies cloud over completely as the snow begins late this evening, with 5 cm expected overnight. Winds will shift and strengthen, becoming northeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 before morning. Temperatures will fall to -6°C, with a wind chill near -13°C.
Friday is shaping up to be the main event. Expect heavy snowfall throughout the day, with an additional 10 to 15 cm likely. Winds will continue from the northeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40, leading to reduced visibility and blowing snow. The high will be a chilly -4°C, but it’ll feel more like -13°C with the wind chill factored in.
The snow continues into Friday night, with temperatures dipping to -8°C. Travel may be hazardous due to accumulation, drifting snow, and the risk of ice pellets or freezing rain, especially near the international border.
Weekend Outlook – Clearing Skies, But Cold Nights Ahead
Saturday brings some improvement, with just a 40% chance of lingering flurries, and a high of -1°C under cloudy skies. But the snow will finally give way to clear skies Saturday night, along with a deep freeze — expect the temperature to drop to -13°C.
Sunday and Monday bring a welcome return of sunshine, though temperatures will stay chilly. Both days will see highs of -1°C, and the nights will be clear and cold, with lows of -15°C Sunday and -13°C Monday night.
Dress for a Deep Freeze and Slippery Ground
While the heaviest snow is expected Friday, temperatures will remain low enough all weekend to preserve snowbanks, slick roads, and crunchy sidewalks. Dress for a full-on winter weekend: insulated coats, boots with grip, hats, gloves, and maybe a sturdy snow brush for your vehicle (with arm day at the gym already covered).
For those in areas closer to the U.S. border, freezing rain and ice pellets are possible, which could lead to power flickers and dangerously icy roads. It’s a good idea to avoid unnecessary travel on Friday, especially in rural areas where snowdrifts can quickly become a problem.
Historical Weather Trivia – Spring Storms Are Old News Here
On this day, Dryden’s record high was 14.2°C, recorded in 1986, while the record low dropped to -29.6°C in 1965. While this week’s system won’t be that extreme, it’s certainly a reminder that March in Northwestern Ontario doesn’t give up winter easily.
Did you know? Dryden often finds itself on the snowy side of spring storms, thanks to its location between major prairie and Great Lakes weather systems. It’s not uncommon for late-March snowfalls to outdo those from January — so don’t pack away the snowblower just yet.
