A Cloudy Morning with a Sunny Afternoon Twist
Good morning to folks in Fort Frances, Atikokan, and Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation! It’s Tuesday, April 15th, and while we’re starting off on the frosty side, there’s some brighter news later in the day. As of 5:00 AM, it’s a brisk -1.1°C across the region with a wind chill making it feel closer to -5°C. The northwest wind is gently blowing at 11 km/h for now but will pick up to 20 km/h, gusting to 40 as the morning progresses. Barometric pressure is currently at 101.8 kPa and rising—a sign that clearer skies are indeed on the horizon. Humidity levels are at 85%, keeping things feeling crisp and damp.
The skies are mainly cloudy this morning, and there’s a 40 percent chance of flurries—just enough to dust your windshield or tickle your patience. But the good news? Sunshine is expected to break through this afternoon, helping us reach a high of 7°C. Early risers should brace for a chilly start with a wind chill of -7°C. The UV index climbs to a moderate 4, so even in April, sun protection isn’t off the table.
Tonight – Clear, Calm, and Quite Cold
Tonight brings clear skies and a chance to do some backyard stargazing—just make sure you’re bundled up. Winds will ease to light by evening after holding steady at 20 km/h through the day. Temperatures will drop to -6°C with a wind chill near -10°C, so it’s another night to keep the firepit covered and the thermal pajamas close.
Midweek Forecast – Sunny Start, Cloudy Finish
Wednesday starts off sunny with a promising high of 11°C, but don’t let that fool you—the morning will feel like a frosty -13°C with the wind chill. Winds will shift southeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40, bringing some spring warmth in the afternoon. Expect a mix of sun and cloud later in the day, before the next round of unsettled weather approaches.
Cloudy periods roll in overnight, along with a 30 percent chance of rain showers or flurries and a low of +2°C. Thursday’s forecast follows up with a 60 percent chance of rain or flurries under cloudy skies and a high of 8°C. The night will bring more precipitation—likely a rain-snow mix—and a low of -1°C.
Friday keeps the clouds around, with a 40 percent chance of flurries or rain showers and another high of 8°C. Overnight, we dip to -5°C with a lingering 30 percent chance of flurries. Saturday looks more promising, offering a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 7°C—just enough warmth to keep our spring hopes alive.
What to Wear?
It’s still full-on layering season. Windproof coats, toques, and gloves are must-haves in the morning. A few layers you can peel off in the afternoon will keep you comfortable as temperatures rise. And don’t pack away the boots just yet—those surprise flurries are still in play.
A Peek Into the Past
Did you know the record high for April 15th in Fort Frances reached a sizzling 25.3°C in 1953? On the flip side, the record low was a frosty -16.7°C in 1983. So while today feels chilly, we’ve definitely seen both hotter and colder extremes—just another reason to never trust April without a backup parka.
