DRYDEN – WEATHER – Dryden and Vermilion Bay are currently under a snowfall warning, with significant snowfall expected to impact the area starting early this morning. Residents and travellers should prepare for heavy snow and challenging conditions throughout the day and into Wednesday.
Snowfall Warning Details
The snowfall warning emphasizes the expected total snowfall accumulations of 15 to 20 cm, with the potential for some areas to see amounts nearing 25 cm.
Snowfall rates of 3 to 5 cm per hour could significantly reduce visibility, making travel hazardous.
The warning is in response to a strong low-pressure system expected to bring heavy snowfall and blowing snow, complicating travel and outdoor activities.
Safety and Preparedness
Residents and travellers in Dryden and Vermilion Bay are advised to monitor weather updates closely and prepare for the conditions.
Necessary precautions include adjusting travel plans, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready, and dressing in layers to protect against frostbite. This snowfall warning is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather in the region and the importance of staying prepared.
Current Weather Conditions: A Chilly Start
As of 6:45 AM CST at Dryden Airport, light snow is falling with temperatures at -13°C. The barometric pressure stands at 100.4 kPa, indicating stable atmospheric conditions for now. However, with humidity levels at 87% and winds gusting from the north between 13 to 28 km/h, the wind chill factor brings the felt temperature down to a biting -20°C.
Today’s Forecast: Intense Snowfall and Wind
The forecast for today predicts snow at times heavy, accompanied by local blowing snow, with expected accumulations of 15 to 25 cm. Northeast winds will be blowing at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, causing temperatures to drop to -19°C in the afternoon. The combination of wind and snow will create a wind chill near -28°C, significantly increasing the risk of frostbite. The UV index remains low at 1, indicating minimal sun exposure.
Tonight: Snow Eases but Cold Intensifies
Snowfall is expected to ease near midnight, transitioning to cloudy skies with local blowing snow and an additional accumulation of 2 cm possible. North winds at 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h will continue, with overnight temperatures dropping to -26°C. The wind chill will make it feel like -28°C in the evening and plummet to -36°C overnight, maintaining a high risk of frostbite.
Extended Forecast: Clearing and Continued Cold
Wednesday will bring mainly sunny skies, with winds shifting to the west at 30 km/h in the morning. Despite the sun, the high will only reach -16°C, with wind chills making it feel as cold as -37°C in the morning and -27°C in the afternoon. The night is expected to be clear with a low of -27°C. Thursday offers a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 percent chance of flurries and a high of -11°C, followed by cloudy periods and a low of -10°C at night.
Weather Trivia: The Impact of Low-Pressure Systems
Low-pressure systems, such as the one affecting Dryden and Vermilion Bay, are often associated with heavy snowfall and storms. These systems can draw moist air from surrounding areas, leading to precipitation that, in cold temperatures, falls as snow. The severity of the snowfall can vary depending on the system’s strength and trajectory, showcasing the dynamic and complex nature of weather patterns in the region.
