Ice, Ice… Too Much Ice: Sudbury Under a Freezing Rain Warning
Greater Sudbury, ON – Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Sudbury is waking up to a chilling and slick situation, as Environment Canada has issued a Freezing Rain Warning for the region. A potential major ice storm is taking shape today, with freezing rain expected to hammer the city from this morning through early Monday morning, bringing 10 to 20 mm of ice accretion, dangerous driving conditions, and a real risk of power outages.
Conditions Slippery and Serious: Freezing Rain Building In
As of 6:00 AM, conditions at Greater Sudbury Airport are already showing signs of trouble with light freezing rain falling, a temperature of -4.7°C, and a wind chill of -12°C thanks to a northeast wind blowing at 27 km/h. Humidity is at 83%, and the barometric pressure sits at 101.8 kPa and falling, suggesting that this system is still intensifying.
Throughout the morning, precipitation will shift from snow or ice pellets to prolonged freezing rain near noon. Northern areas could pick up 5 cm of snow before the freezing rain locks in. Winds will increase to 30 km/h with gusts up to 50 km/h tonight, raising the risk of tree damage and power line trouble if ice accumulation reaches the upper end of forecasts.
This evening, the freezing rain continues, possibly mixed with ice pellets, and doesn’t show signs of letting up until late Monday morning. Some locations near the North Channel and North Bay may briefly rise above freezing later today, changing precipitation to rain—however, that reprieve will be short-lived.
Monday: From Ice to Snow, Then Cold Snap
On Monday, the freezing rain will gradually transition to ice pellets and snow, expected to end by late morning. An additional 2 cm of accumulation is likely, with the high only reaching -2°C and a northwest wind gusting to 40 km/h making it feel closer to -10°C. As skies clear Monday night, brace for a deep freeze with temperatures plummeting to -15°C.
Tuesday will be sunny, but still on the frosty side, with a high of -1°C and another chilly night dipping to -12°C.
Dress Like You’re Winter-Ready, Not Spring-Optimistic
If you’re heading out today (and honestly, you may want to reconsider), layer up for warmth and add waterproof gear to fend off the freezing rain. Footwear with excellent traction is a must—this is no day for fashion boots or sneakers. Gloves, hats, and a sense of patience are also recommended if you’re braving the roads or sidewalks.
Historical Highs and Lows
On this day in Sudbury’s weather history, the record high hit 14.4°C in 1998—a sharp contrast to today’s icy mess. The coldest March 30th dipped to -27.5°C back in 1964, so while today is certainly rough, it’s not quite the chilliest it’s ever been.
Sudbury Weather Trivia
Did you know Sudbury has experienced some of Ontario’s most notorious ice storms, including several that left residents without power for days? The city’s location between northern and southern weather systems makes it a prime spot for freezing rain events—Mother Nature’s very own April Fool’s joke a few days early.
