Wintry Mix Turns Dangerous with Ice Accumulation Expected
Sudbury – Weather – It’s April, but winter isn’t ready to bow out in Greater Sudbury just yet. A Freezing Rain Warning is in effect for today, bringing a messy, slippery mix of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain throughout the afternoon and evening.
Wednesday Forecast: Cold Morning Gives Way to a Treacherous Afternoon
As of 5:00 AM EDT at the Greater Sudbury Airport, conditions are mainly clear with a temperature of -9.8°C, a dew point of -14.0°C, and humidity at 71%. Winds are currently from the southeast at 14 km/h, producing a wind chill of -16. The barometric pressure is 103.0 kPa and falling, indicating that today’s calm is short-lived.
By noon, clouds will roll in with snow and ice pellets beginning early this afternoon, followed by a transition to freezing rain later in the day. Snow and ice pellet accumulation could reach 2 to 5 cm, before a glaze of freezing rain deposits 2 to 5 mm of ice onto roads, sidewalks, and trees.
Gusty easterly winds up to 60 km/h (and even 70 km/h closer to the North Channel) will reduce visibility and may contribute to blowing snow and possible damage to trees and power lines, especially where ice build-up occurs.
Tonight: A Slick Situation Transitions to Drizzle
This evening, freezing rain will persist before tapering off shortly after midnight, giving way to drizzle as temperatures rise overnight. The temperature, currently below -9°C, is expected to rise to +5°C by Thursday morning, offering some relief—but not before roads become icy battlegrounds for your tires and boots.
Thursday Outlook: Cloudy and Cool with a Touch of Spring
Thursday starts with clouds and lingering drizzle, with a 60% chance of light rain or flurries near noon. Winds will shift to the southwest at 30 km/h, and although the high will reach +5°C, it will drop to +1°C by afternoon. Not quite spring weather, but a definite thaw.
Friday brightens things up with sunny skies and a high of 10°C, before cooler, cloudy conditions return for the weekend.
Historic April 2 in Sudbury
On this date, Sudbury’s warmest April 2 hit a respectable 15.0°C back in 1987, while the coldest plunged to a frigid -22.2°C in 1975. Today’s frigid start and icy forecast feel more in line with that frosty legacy.
What to Wear: Arctic Armor + Anti-Slip Footwear
Start the day bundled up—wind chills near -17°C this morning make it feel like mid-January. Swap out the parka for a rainproof, insulated coat this evening. Waterproof boots with serious grip are a must, as surfaces will be slick and tricky to navigate.
Sudbury Weather Trivia: Ice Storm Legacy
Sudbury’s most memorable ice storm? The infamous April 2013 Ontario ice event, which coated northern parts of the province in over 20 mm of ice. Today won’t reach those levels—but it’s a chilly reminder that April’s reputation for unpredictability is well earned.
