Special Weather Statement Issued for the Lake of the Woods Region
Kenora and Lake of the Woods brace for 10–20 cm of snow Wednesday into Thursday. Blowing snow and poor visibility expected. Spring weather returns Friday
KENORA, ON – April 1, 2025 – Mother Nature is pulling a classic April prank on the Kenora and Lake of the Woods region, delivering a hefty dose of snow just when spring seemed within reach. Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for Kenora, Grassy Narrows, and Whitedog, warning of 10 to 20 cm of snow, potential whiteout conditions, and local blowing snow starting Wednesday morning. So, if you were dusting off your golf clubs, maybe hold off and grab the shovel instead.
Current Conditions: Clear but Cold in Cottage Country
At 5:00 AM CDT, the Kenora Airport is reporting clear skies and a chilly temperature of -10.8°C. Winds from the east-southeast at 12 km/h are making it feel like a brisk -17°C with the wind chill. Humidity is at 52%, and pressure sits at 102.2 kPa, though it’s falling, hinting at the incoming system already making its move.
Today will be a bit of a sunshine sandwich—starting off clear, becoming a mix of sun and cloud as the morning progresses. Winds will pick up from the southeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, and the high will reach +3°C. But don’t be fooled—the wind chill will have it feeling closer to -20°C this morning. The UV index is 4, so yes, you can still get sunburned while you’re freezing.
Wednesday: Snow Moves In and Stays a While
The messy stuff begins Wednesday morning. A 60% chance of flurries kicks off the day, but snow is expected to start in earnest by mid-morning. By the end of the day, Kenora could see 5 to 10 cm of accumulation, with another 5 to 10 cm possible Wednesday night.
Wind will again be a factor—east winds at 20 km/h, gusting to 40, will stir up local blowing snow, especially in open areas, making for low visibility and slick roads. The daytime high reaches +1°C, with a wind chill near -9°C in the morning. If you’re traveling, be prepared for changing and hazardous conditions.
Wednesday night, snow continues with a low of -6°C, making Thursday morning’s commute a snowy slog.
Thursday to Friday: Some Flurries, Some Hope
By Thursday, the snow will begin to taper off, though a 30% chance of lingering flurries remains under a mix of sun and cloud. Temperatures climb to a more palatable +6°C, which may help chip away at some of the accumulation.
Thursday night turns cloudy with a low of -4°C, and Friday follows suit with more cloud cover and a high of +2°C. The day closes with a 30% chance of flurries or rain showers, so spring is at least knocking on the door, even if it hasn’t been let in yet.
Historical Weather Snapshot: A Tale of Two Aprils
Kenora has seen a wide range of April 1st weather over the years. The record high for this date is 17.8°C, while the record low sits at a frosty -27.5°C. So, this morning’s cold snap and the incoming snowstorm may not be historic—but it’s definitely enough to get everyone talking (and shoveling).
What to Wear: Layer Up, and Keep Those Snow Boots Handy
Today, it’s all about layers with wind protection—think insulated jackets, thermal gloves, and something to protect your ears from that morning chill. By Wednesday, it’s full-on winter gear again: snow boots, waterproof outerwear, and anything to keep you upright on slick sidewalks. If you’re headed out early, don’t forget the ice scraper and extra windshield washer fluid—this storm isn’t playing around.
Weather Trivia: Lake of the Woods’ Snow Legacy
Did you know Kenora averages nearly 150 cm of snow annually? Thanks to its proximity to both the prairies and the lakes, it’s a prime spot for spring snowstorms. April might promise tulips, but in this region, it’s just as likely to deliver snowbanks.
