SIOUX LOOKOUT – NetNewsLedger Weather Desk – Sioux Lookout continues under an extreme cold warning as temperatures plummet to a chilling -33°C early this morning. The skies remain mainly clear, providing little solace from the piercing cold.
The barometer reads 102.9 kPa, indicating rising pressure, while the humidity stands at 74%. A slight northern breeze at 2 km/h does little to mitigate the cold, bringing the wind chill down to an even harsher -35°C.
Today’s Weather: A Brief Respite from the Cold
The day promises sunshine with increasing cloudiness rolling in by early afternoon. Despite the sun’s appearance, the wind, blowing gently at up to 15 km/h, will not ease the bitter cold significantly.
Temperatures are expected to rise slightly to a high of -13°C, but with a morning wind chill nearing -40°C and an afternoon chill of -19°C, the risk of frostbite remains high. Exposed skin may succumb to frostbite within minutes. The UV index is low at 2, indicating minimal solar radiation.
Tonight: The Chill Continues
Partly cloudy skies will persist into the night, with the wind maintaining its gentle pace. The low is forecasted at -15°C, with a wind chill factor drawing near -23°C, emphasizing the need for warm, protective clothing even during the briefest outdoor excursions.
Looking Ahead: A Shift Towards Milder Weather
Friday heralds a sunny day with winds turning southeast at 20 km/h in the morning, pushing temperatures to a more bearable high of 6°C, though the morning will still feel like -20°C. The UV index stays low at 2.
This shift suggests a softer start to March, often referred to poetically as coming in “like a lamb” in Sioux Lookout.
The weekend outlook maintains cloud coverage with a slight warming trend. Saturday’s high rests at -4°C, leading into a cloudy night with a 40 percent chance of snow and a low of -13°C.
Sunday increases the likelihood of snow to 60 percent, with daytime highs of -7°C and nighttime lows slightly warmer at -6°C.
Extreme Cold Warning: Precautions and Recommendations
- Vulnerable Populations: The extreme cold poses heightened risks for young children, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and individuals without adequate shelter.
- Health Risks: Be vigilant for symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and discolouration in extremities, indicative of frostbite or hypothermia.
- Protective Measures: Dress in layers, covering all exposed skin. Frostbite can occur within minutes under these conditions.
- Pet Care: If conditions are too severe for you, they are equally so for pets. Keep them indoors.
- Work Safety: Those working outdoors should take frequent breaks to warm up and prevent cold stress.
Weather Trivia:
Did you know that Sioux Lookout’s geographic location contributes to its extreme winter temperatures? Situated in Northwestern Ontario, the town experiences a continental climate with significant variations between summer and winter temperatures, leading to its reputation as a cold weather hotspot.
