A Slippery Situation Unfolds in Wasaho Cree Nation
FORT SEVERN, ON – Mother Nature is pulling out her freezing rain paintbrush tonight, with a Freezing Rain Warning issued for Fort Severn and surrounding areas, including Wasaho Cree Nation. Environment Canada has issued this alert due to expected freezing rain this evening into Sunday morning, with ice accretion of 1 to 2 mm possible. It may get a little mixy too—some ice pellets are expected to join the slippery party before things eventually transition to snow or more consistent ice pellets by Sunday morning.
Current Conditions: Chilly, Clammy, and Creeping Ice
As of this evening, conditions are ripe for the development of freezing rain, with a current temperature hovering near -1°C, and humidity clocking in at a saturated 94%. Winds are blowing steadily from the east at 25 km/h, which will help usher in that moisture-laden air. The barometric pressure is at 101.3 kPa and falling, a classic signal that a weather system is rolling through.
Expect periods of freezing rain mixed with ice pellets tonight, making travel and walking more treacherous than a slip-and-slide in January. Temperatures will remain around the freezing mark overnight before dipping slightly Sunday morning.
Looking Ahead to Sunday: From Slick to Snowy
On Sunday, Fort Severn will continue to feel winter’s grip. The precipitation is expected to shift to ice pellets or snow during the morning as temperatures dip to -3°C, with winds still gusty out of the east at 30 km/h. Afternoon highs won’t climb far, staying in the -2°C to -4°C range. Visibility may be reduced during heavier precipitation bursts.
So, if you’re venturing out: ice cleats are your best friends, and it’s a good day to embrace the layered look. Keep those winter boots on standby and maybe treat yourself to an extra coffee or two.
Historic Weather Note
On this date in Fort Severn’s recorded history, the warmest April 12th reached 7.5°C, while the coldest dipped to -21.0°C. So while today’s freeze may feel intense, the past reminds us it could always be worse (and colder).
Weather Trivia Time!
Did you know? Fort Severn is Ontario’s northernmost community with road access only via winter roads or by air—and it’s no stranger to freezing rain events this time of year. The community has seen late-season ice storms as late as early May!
