Frozen Forecast Ahead: Freezing Rain Threat Looms Over the Soo
Weather Update for Sault Ste. Marie – Saturday, March 29, 2025
Residents of Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island are waking up to mostly cloudy skies and a serious weather heads-up. A Special Weather Statement is in effect for the area, warning of a potentially major ice storm set to begin late tonight and stretch into early Monday. Environment Canada is forecasting prolonged freezing rain, with ice accretion possibly exceeding 10 mm, and snowfall amounts up to 10 cm. This could spell trouble for travel, power lines, and anyone hoping to enjoy a quiet Sunday.
As of 6:00 AM at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, the temperature is -3.1°C, with a wind chill making it feel like -9°C. Winds are blowing in from the east at 18 km/h, and the humidity is sitting at 87%. The barometric pressure is at 101.6 kPa and rising, hinting that the approaching system is still organizing before making landfall.
Saturday: The Calm Before the Slick
Today’s weather is a mixed bag. Expect mainly cloudy skies with a 60% chance of snow or ice pellets this morning, along with a risk of freezing drizzle—a subtle reminder that things are about to get dicey. Winds will be light for most of the day, shifting around east 20 km/h before easing in the afternoon. The high will reach +4°C, but that morning chill of -9°C wind chill will still have you reaching for a winter coat. The UV index is moderate at 5, just in case the sun manages a surprise peek.
Tonight: Trouble Brews After Midnight
By tonight, mainly cloudy skies will take a turn as ice pellets or freezing rain begin near midnight. Expect about 2 cm of ice pellets before the real glaze begins. Winds pick back up from the east at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, and the temperature drops to -2°C, with a wind chill of -8°C. Roads and sidewalks will become increasingly treacherous as the night wears on.
Sunday: Glazed and Confused
Sunday, March 30, brings freezing rain mixed with ice pellets throughout the day, driven by eastern winds at 30 km/h gusting to 50. The high will barely touch zero, but wind chills will continue to bite at -9°C in the morning. Given the potential for over 10 mm of ice accumulation, be prepared for hazardous travel, falling tree limbs, and possible power outages.
Sunday night doesn’t offer much relief. Freezing rain or snow is expected to persist, with a low of -7°C. Depending on localized temperatures, some areas may briefly warm just enough to turn the freezing rain into plain rain, but for the majority of the region, icy conditions will remain the dominant theme.
Monday and Beyond: A Chilly Comeback
Monday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of flurries and a high of zero, while Monday night clears out with a sharp plunge to -13°C. Tuesday offers a sunny high of zero, giving everyone a much-needed pause to regroup—and maybe chip away at some ice.
Weather Trivia: Soo Style
Did you know? The Soo sits in a snowbelt, thanks to its position between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, making it a frequent landing spot for messy winter weather. But freezing rain of this potential severity—10+ mm of ice accretion—is rare and dangerous. For reference, just 6 mm of ice can add over 100 kg to a single power line span. No wonder the lights flicker during ice storms!
What to Wear: Ice-Ready Layers
Today, start with a warm base layer and wind-resistant jacket—don’t forget gloves and something to cover your ears. Tonight and into Sunday, avoid venturing out if you can, but if duty calls, lace up insulated waterproof boots with traction, wear thermal outerwear, and maybe carry a walking stick to steady yourself on icy patches.
