Slippery Sunday as Freezing Rain Threatens the Soo
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Sunday, March 30, 2025 – It’s a treacherous start to the day in the Soo as a Freezing Rain Warning is in full effect. A developing ice storm is expected to bring 10 to 20 mm of ice accretion between this morning and early Monday. This wintry weather cocktail includes snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, and the potential for hazardous road conditions, downed tree limbs, and widespread power outages.
Ice Storm Begins: Freezing Rain to Intensify Through the Day
At 6:00 AM, Sault Ste. Marie Airport reported light freezing rain falling steadily. The temperature sits at -1.8°C with a dew point of -2.8°C, and the humidity is at a saturated 93%. The wind is coming from the east at 25 km/h, gusting to 41, which, combined with the cold air, makes it feel more like -8°C. The barometric pressure is 101.5 kPa and falling, a signal that the storm system is digging in.
Through this morning, expect a messy mix of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain, which will transition fully to freezing rain or ice pellets. While the forecast calls for about 2 cm of snow and pellets, the real concern lies in the prolonged period of freezing rain that follows.
Winds will increase to 30 km/h gusting to 50 through the day, and while the high is expected to flirt with 0°C, it’s just enough to keep the Soo in the icy zone. For areas closer to the North Channel, a brief switch to rain may occur later today—but don’t count on a full melt just yet.
Tonight into Monday: More Ice, Then Snow and Cold Winds
As Sunday evening settles in, the freezing rain continues, mixing with ice pellets and snow overnight, adding another 2 to 4 cm of accumulation. Winds will pivot from the east to the north, holding steady at 30 km/h, with overnight lows hitting -6°C and a wind chill of -13°C. Conditions may worsen into early Monday as ice-laden tree limbs and power lines face wind stress.
By Monday morning, the snow will taper off, and skies will begin to clear, but don’t expect warmth. The high remains at 0°C, and gusty northwest winds at 40 km/h, peaking at 60, will deliver a biting wind chill of -14°C. Monday night dips even colder to -13°C under clear skies.
Tuesday offers sunshine, but it’s still brisk with a high of -1°C, and Tuesday night brings cloudy periods and a low of -7°C.
What to Wear (Besides Crampons and a Helmet)
If you absolutely must step outside, suit up like you’re gearing for battle with winter: grippy boots, thick layers, and waterproof outerwear. Gloves are essential—ice is not forgiving. And maybe skip the umbrella—it’s more of a liability in gusty freezing rain. If you’re staying indoors, cozy up and keep flashlights handy in case the power blinks out.
Sault Ste. Marie Weather History
Historically, March 30th in the Soo has seen a record high of 16.7°C, set in 1998, a reminder that spring is possible—just not this week. The record low? A frigid -25.0°C back in 1964. Today’s weather lands uncomfortably in the “messy middle.”
Sault Ste. Marie Weather Trivia
Did you know Sault Ste. Marie averages about 6 days of freezing rain a year? But when Mother Nature goes all-in like today, we’re talking classic Great Lakes ice storm territory—the kind of weather that makes hockey players wish for summer.
