Winter Storm Warning Hits Lakehead—Up to 30 cm of Snow and Blustery Winds
THUNDER BAY, ON – WEATHER REPORT – If you were hoping for a gentle spring awakening, Mother Nature has other plans. A Winter Storm Warning remains firmly in effect for Thunder Bay this morning, as the city continues to deal with hazardous winter conditions. The storm has already delivered a hefty helping of snow, with final totals expected to hit 20 to 30 centimetres before tapering off to flurries around noon.
Heavy Snow Winds Down But Travel Remains Dicey
There are closures on Highway 11 and Highway 17. Check with 511ON.ca before heading out on the highways, and if you are headed east, you are going to be into the snow storm. Avoid unneeded travel.
School Buses Cancelled – Rural Schools Closed
In the city snow clearing is underway but there is a lot of snow to move so patience is going to be needed.
As of 5:48 AM at Thunder Bay Airport, the mercury sits at -2.6°C, with light snow continuing to fall. Visibility has dropped to just 2 km thanks to blowing snow, and the northwesterly wind is picking up steam—currently at 10 km/h, expected to ramp up to 30 km/h with gusts as high as 50 km/h later this morning. Wind chill values are making it feel closer to -6 now, but will plunge to -9 before rebounding slightly.
Pressure is at 99.5 kPa and rising, which signals improving conditions ahead, though the humidity remains a saturated 92%. If you’re planning on venturing out this morning, take your time—roads will be slick, visibility poor, and walking can be treacherous. That “April snow brings… what exactly?” feeling is definitely strong today.
Today’s high will creep up to just +2°C under mostly cloudy skies, with a 30 percent chance of flurries lingering through the afternoon. The risk of freezing rain earlier this morning only adds another layer of challenge to any travel plans.
Cold Returns Tonight, Brisk Winds and Flurries Ahead
Tonight, the skies will clear but the chill returns with gusto. Northwest winds up to 50 km/h will calm down by evening, but temperatures will plunge to -8°C overnight. Friday offers a brief reprieve with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of +7°C, though the morning wind chill of -11°C will remind you we’re not quite out of winter’s grip yet.
Friday night brings a 60 percent chance of flurries with a low of -5°C. Saturday continues the unsettled trend, mixing sun, cloud, and a 60 percent chance of flurries or even rain showers. Highs will be around +5°C, cooling to -7°C overnight with continued flurry chances.
Sunday keeps the weather pattern on the wobbly side, offering a 40 percent chance of flurries and a high of just +1°C.
Dress Code: Layers, Layers, and More Layers
If you’re heading out today, layer up! A thermal base, insulated jacket, waterproof boots, and gloves are essentials. Don’t forget a windproof hat—those gusts are no joke. Sunglasses wouldn’t hurt either for Friday and Saturday’s sunny breaks.
Historic Weather Fact of the Day
On this date, Thunder Bay has experienced quite the temperature swing historically. The record high for April 3rd is a balmy 18.4°C, set back in 1981, while the record low is a bone-chilling -24.3°C, recorded in 1964. So, today’s -2.6°C seems rather mild in comparison—even if we’re still knee-deep in snow.
