Heavy Snow Continues Today as Low Pressure System Moves Through Region

Travel Advisory in Effect with Difficult Road Conditions Along Highway 17

DRYDEN – WEATHER – It’s a full-on snow day across Dryden, Vermilion Bay, and the Highway 17 corridor as a Snowfall Warning remains in effect for the region. Environment Canada is warning of total snowfall accumulations between 15 and 25 cm, though areas near the Minnesota border may see slightly less due to the chance of ice pellets and freezing rain mixing in.

As of 6:00 AM CDT at Dryden Airport, it’s currently snowing lightly with a temperature of -5.4°C. Humidity is high at 93%, and a light wind from the east-northeast at 13 km/h is adding a wind chill that makes it feel closer to -11°C. Visibility is down to 5 km in the snow, and the barometric pressure is falling at 101.7 kPa—classic signs that this storm system still has plenty left to give.

Bus Cancellations – Friday, March 28, 2025

All buses will be cancelled in Kenora, Sioux Narrows, Ear Falls, Red Lake, Vermilion Bay, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Ignace, Upsala on Friday, March 28 due to current and forecasted inclement weather and road conditions.

Pickle Lake bus PL81 will be running on Friday, March 28.

Friday Forecast: Snow, Snow, and… More Snow

The forecast today includes snow at times heavy, with 10 cm expected before day’s end. Winds will increase from the northeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40, which means blowing snow is likely to further reduce visibility and make travel—especially on Highway 17—slippery and slow-going. The high will reach -2°C, though it won’t feel that warm with wind chills dipping to -13°C this morning and -8°C through the afternoon. The UV index is a humble 1—meaning your snow shoveling won’t come with a tan.

Tonight: Snow Lingers Before Conditions Begin to Improve

Tonight, snow continues with another 2 to 4 cm possible before tapering off overnight. Winds remain steady from the northeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40. The low drops to -9°C with a wind chill of -15°C by the early morning hours. If you’re heading out late, beware of reduced visibility and slick surfaces—especially on untreated rural roads and sidewalks.

Saturday: Clearing Skies and a Much-Needed Break

Saturday starts mainly cloudy but skies will begin to clear around noon. Winds calm to 15 km/h or less, and the temperature will climb to 0°C. However, bundle up in the morning, as wind chills will start at a brisk -16°C before the sun helps ease the sting. Expect mostly calm and cold weather through Saturday night with a low of -9°C.

Sunday & Monday: More Snow Chances and a Deep Freeze Ahead

Sunday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a 60% chance of more snow, and a high near -1°C. The sky clears overnight but not before temps dip again to -15°C. Monday offers sunshine, but it comes with a frigid high of -5°C and a nighttime low of -18°C—a good reminder that Northwestern Ontario winters like to go out with a dramatic encore.

Wardrobe Advice: Parka Season Isn’t Over Yet

Layer up like a true northerner—insulated boots, a heavy winter coat, thermal gloves, scarf, toque, and your warmest socks. This is not hoodie weather. If you’re on snow-shoveling duty today, remember to pace yourself—and maybe bribe a teenager with hot chocolate.

Historic Weather Snapshot

Dryden’s warmest March 28 reached 12.8°C back in 1946, while the coldest on record was a frosty -28.4°C in 1982. Today may not break any records, but it’s certainly delivering a classic late-season blast of full-blown winter.

Weather Trivia: Dryden’s Snowy Highways

The stretch of Highway 17 through Dryden and Vermilion Bay is one of Ontario’s snowiest transportation corridors during late winter storms. With frequent blasts from Colorado lows and Arctic air intrusions, it’s a hotspot for snowplow activity—so if you see one today, give them a wave (and lots of space).