Ice Storm Aftermath Lingers as Winds Raise the Risk in Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Monday, March 31, 2025 – After an icy weekend, Sault Ste. Marie begins the week still grappling with the effects of a potent ice storm. As of 6:00 AM at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, light snow continues to fall with a temperature of -5.2°C. Winds from the north-northwest are blowing at 13 km/h, creating a wind chill of -10, and visibility is limited to just 1.2 km. The air remains quite saturated with humidity at 91%, and barometric pressure is at 100.5 kPa and rising—a signal that the storm is finally easing its grip.
A Special Weather Statement remains in effect for the region, warning of moderate northwest winds gusting to near 40 km/h. With a thick layer of ice still coating trees and power lines, these gusts could result in further breakage and possible utility disruptions through the day.
Today’s Forecast – Snow Tapers, But the Cold Holds On
Light snow will gradually end this morning, leaving behind a fresh 2 to 4 cm blanket. Once the flurries settle, skies will remain mainly cloudy for the remainder of the day. Winds from the northwest will pick up to 20 km/h with gusts reaching 40, which may shake loose already strained tree limbs and ice-laden branches. The high will inch up to -1°C, but with the wind chill, it will feel more like -13 this morning and only improve slightly to -7 this afternoon.
The UV index today is a moderate 4—sunshine may peek through later, but not enough to melt much of that stubborn ice.
Tonight and Beyond – Deep Freeze Tonight, Followed by a Brief Thaw
By tonight, skies will clear and the wind will gradually taper off late in the evening. But brace yourself: temperatures are expected to plunge to -15°C, and with lingering wind chills, it will feel closer to -18. This is a night for extra blankets and maybe an extra cup of tea.
Tuesday brightens up with plenty of sunshine and a daytime high of +1°C. However, early risers will contend with a sharp wind chill of -19 in the morning. Winds will stay light, offering a brief but welcome reprieve from the gusts.
Cloudy periods return Tuesday night with a low of -6°C. Wednesday brings another round of snow and rising winds, with a high near the freezing mark. But it won’t end there—freezing rain or rain is expected Wednesday night, with temperatures hovering around 0°C.
Thursday remains cloudy with a 60% chance of rain and a high of +4°C, followed by a chilly night with a low of -5°C and a 30% chance of flurries or rain showers.
Wardrobe Suggestion
This is still classic winter gear territory: insulated boots with good traction are a must, along with a warm coat, gloves, and a hat. That icy wind will sneak through anything less than full coverage. Watch your step—sidewalks could double as skating rinks, and tree branches might come falling without warning.
This Day in Sault Ste. Marie Weather History
March 31 has been known to surprise. The record high for this date in Sault Ste. Marie was a sunny +15.1°C back in 1998. On the other end of the spectrum, the record low chilled to -24.3°C in 1975. Today’s mix of snow and freezing temperatures puts us comfortably (or uncomfortably) somewhere in the middle.
Did You Know?
Sault Ste. Marie sits in a prime location for lake-effect weather, especially when Arctic air sweeps across Lake Superior. This geographic setup means winter likes to linger here longer than in much of southern Ontario—perfect if you enjoy snow… or not.
