Slippery, Hazardous Conditions Expected as Storm Moves In
Freezing Rain and Ice Pellets Could Make for a Treacherous Friday Night
SAULT STE. MARIE – WEATHER – It’s not quite April, but Sault Ste. Marie is facing some seriously icy business. A Freezing Rain Warning is in effect for the city and surrounding areas, including St. Joseph Island, as a potent system rolls in from the west. Environment Canada is sounding the alarm over the potential for significant ice build-up, with 5 to 15 mm of freezing rain accretion possible by early Saturday morning.
As of 6:00 AM EDT at Sault Ste. Marie Airport, skies are mostly cloudy with a chilly -2.8°C on the thermometer. Humidity is sitting at 83%, and a light easterly wind at 11 km/h makes it feel more like -7°C. Visibility is strong at 32 km for now, and the barometric pressure is rising at 102.1 kPa—a sign that the atmosphere is gearing up for action.
Today: Snow, Ice Pellets, and Freezing Rain Begin the Transition
The day starts grey and chilly with snow or ice pellets expected to begin early this morning. As the day progresses, a messy mix of ice pellets and freezing rain is expected to take over—especially this afternoon. Eastern gusts will intensify to 30 km/h, with gusts reaching 50, and local blowing snow may further reduce visibility later in the day. Expect 2 to 4 cm of snow and ice pellets before the real icing starts.
Temperatures will inch up to a high of -1°C, though with wind chills it’ll feel closer to -10°C. It’s a classic “March mood swing” as this wintry mix lays the groundwork for a potentially dangerous evening.
Tonight: Freezing Rain Moves In—Power Outages and Ice Damage Possible
This evening and overnight is when things could get downright icy. A prolonged period of freezing rain or ice pellets is expected, with the potential for tree branches to snap under the weight and localized power outages possible due to ice-laden lines. The wind will hold steady from the east at 30 km/h, gusting to 50, which may worsen the situation by adding sway to already ice-coated limbs.
Temperatures will dip to a low of -4°C with wind chills around -10°C. Travel is strongly discouraged during this period unless absolutely necessary.
Saturday: Ice Ends, But Winter Isn’t Done Yet
The icy mess is expected to taper off near noon Saturday, with clearing skies by the afternoon. Winds will calm as well, shifting to light by mid-morning after a brief continuation from the east at 20 km/h. Temperatures will finally break into the positives with a high of +3°C, but the morning will start off feeling closer to -10°C.
Saturday night brings another round of snow with a low of -3°C, and Sunday ramps up again with freezing rain or snow and a daytime high of +5°C. Sunday night will see more of the same wintry mix with a low of -4°C. Monday cools back down with a 40% chance of flurries and a high of -2°C, followed by a clear but frigid Monday night dipping to -13°C.
What to Wear: Ice-Ready Edition
Today is not the day for sneakers. Waterproof boots with solid grip are a must, and a thick winter coat, scarf, gloves, and a sturdy hat will go a long way against the biting wind and potential freezing rain. And maybe avoid walking under trees or power lines—just in case nature starts dropping icicles.
Historic Weather Snapshot
Sault Ste. Marie’s historical high for March 28 was a balmy 16.4°C set in 1998, while the record low plunged to -25.6°C back in 1972. Today’s mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain won’t break temperature records, but it could be one for the books in terms of slippery chaos.
Weather Trivia: Sault’s Slippery Past
Did you know Sault Ste. Marie averages about 15 days of freezing rain per year? The region’s proximity to Lake Superior and shifting spring air masses makes it a prime target for icy transitions, especially in late March. So when in doubt, always keep your salt bag handy.
