A Soggy Start Turns Slushy as April Plays Tricks on Thunder Bay
This morning in Thunder Bay, the skies are weeping—light rain is falling at 2.5°C, and it’s about to get a whole lot messier. As of 7:23 AM EDT, observed at Thunder Bay Airport, humidity is maxed out at 100%, and visibility is down to 3 km. The barometric pressure sits at 99.6 kPa and falling, confirming that a strong low-pressure system is passing through the region, bringing wet and windy conditions along with it.
Today’s Forecast: Rain to Snow, Gusts to 60 km/h
Rain will change to snow or a rain-snow mix this morning. Rainfall amounts could reach 10 to 20 mm, particularly near Lake Superior, while inland areas may see up to 5 cm of wet snow by this evening.
By late morning, winds will swing northwest at 30 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, and hold strong through the day. Temperatures will hover near +2°C, but the wind and precipitation will make it feel much colder.
With full saturation, strong winds, and changing precipitation types, surfaces from sidewalks to side streets could become slippery and slushy fast. So if you’re heading out, choose your footwear (and vehicle) wisely.
The UV index is low today at 1, not that anyone’s thinking of tanning in this weather.
Tonight: Snow, Gusts, and a Dip Below Freezing
Periods of snow will linger into the evening, tapering off near midnight, followed by cloudy skies and a 40% chance of flurries. Winds remain stubbornly strong from the northwest at 30 km/h gusting to 60, and temperatures will slide to –2°C overnight. Expect wind chill values that feel closer to –9°C, and a crunchy coat of frozen slush by Tuesday morning.
Tuesday: Windy and Grey, But Drying Out
Tuesday keeps the overcast skies overhead and the northwest winds gusting up to 60 km/h. Although it will reach a high of +5°C, the wind chill in the morning will feel like –9°C, so it’s another chilly day to layer up and double-knot those boots. Tuesday night clears up and dips to –9°C—perfect for turning puddles into mini skating rinks.
Midweek Outlook: A Break Before More Spring Shenanigans
Wednesday brings sunshine and a high of 7°C, a much-needed mood boost after this gloomy stretch. But by Thursday, clouds return with a 30% chance of rain showers or flurries and a high of +5°C. Thursday night into Friday could bring more mixed precipitation, with rain or snow possible through Friday and temperatures hovering around +5°C by day and dipping to –6°C by night.
Historic April 14 in Thunder Bay
April 14 has a flair for weather drama. The record high temperature for this date was a pleasant 18.3°C, while the coldest was a bone-chilling –14.8°C. Today’s soggy-snowy blend sits squarely in the “typical April chaos” column.
Wardrobe Wisdom
Start the day in rain gear and end it in winter wear—yes, it’s one of those days. Waterproof boots are essential, and don’t forget a hooded jacket (windproof if possible) to fight off those gusts. If you’re venturing inland, be ready for snow buildup.
Did You Know?
Thunder Bay’s proximity to Lake Superior plays a huge role in its spring weather patterns. The lake’s cold surface can trigger lake-enhanced snowfall even in April, while also stalling warm air from reaching the region. That’s why the Lakehead often lags behind in spring thaw.
