Thunder Bay – Weather – It’s mid-October, and that means one thing for Northern Ontario: winter is peeking around the corner. For communities in this region, it’s time to start pulling out those winter coats and get cozy, because snow is starting to make regular appearances in the forecast.
Over the next three days, expect a mix of snow, chilly winds, and the kind of weather that makes you want to stay indoors with a hot drink.
Let’s take a look at what’s in store for Marten Falls, Wasaho Cree Nation (Fort Severn), Fort Hope, and other First Nations communities across Northern Ontario.
Marten Falls
Current Conditions: -1°C, overcast. Winds from the northwest at 20 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1025 mb, steady.
Forecast: Snow flurries throughout the day on the 18th with a high of 1°C. Snow tapers off on the 19th, leaving cloudy skies and a high of 0°C. The 20th will be overcast with light snow showers in the evening and a low of -2°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Winter coats, hats, and gloves are a must, and don’t forget those waterproof boots if you’re venturing outside!
Trivia: Marten Falls gets its fair share of early snowfall, often making October feel more like December.
Sunrise: 7:58 AM | Sunset: 6:42 PM
Wasaho Cree Nation (Fort Severn)
Current Conditions: -3°C, partly cloudy. Winds from the north at 25 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1027 mb, rising.
Forecast: Snow and gusty winds on the 18th, with highs around -2°C. Light snow continues into the 19th before clearing up on the 20th, but temperatures will remain below freezing, around -4°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Break out the heavy winter coats and mittens – with the wind chill, it’s going to feel much colder!
Trivia: Fort Severn, Ontario’s northernmost community, usually transitions to full-on winter conditions by late October. Consider this the warm-up act!
Sunrise: 8:32 AM | Sunset: 6:55 PM
Fort Hope (Eabametoong)
Current Conditions: 0°C, overcast skies. Winds from the northeast at 15 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1024 mb, steady.
Forecast: Light snow expected throughout the 18th, with a high of 2°C. The snow will continue into the 19th but should clear by the 20th, leaving behind cloudy skies and a high of -1°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Bundle up in layers! It’s that kind of weather where a hat and scarf can make all the difference.
Trivia: Fort Hope has seen some early October snowfalls in past years, but this year’s chilly start means winter is on its way in full force.
Sunrise: 8:05 AM | Sunset: 6:50 PM
Sachigo Lake
Current Conditions: -2°C, mostly cloudy. Winds from the northeast at 20 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1026 mb, steady.
Forecast: Snow will pick up on the 18th, with 3-5 cm expected by the evening. More snow will accumulate on the 19th before tapering off by the 20th, with highs hovering around -2°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: You’ll need full winter gear here – think snow boots, heavy jackets, and don’t forget the mittens!
Trivia: Sachigo Lake, surrounded by boreal forests, often gets a heavy dose of snow before November rolls in.
Sunrise: 8:12 AM | Sunset: 6:54 PM
KI (Big Trout Lake)
Current Conditions: -3°C, overcast. Winds from the northeast at 25 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1028 mb, rising.
Forecast: Snow will cover Big Trout Lake starting on the 18th, with a high of -1°C. By the 19th, there will be more snow accumulation, and the 20th will bring cloudy skies with a chance of flurries and a high of -3°C.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Time to dress like an arctic explorer – heavy-duty coats, insulated boots, and gloves are essential!
Trivia: KI is no stranger to October snowstorms, with some years seeing over 20 cm of snow before the month is out.
Sunrise: 8:20 AM | Sunset: 6:58 PM
Sandy Lake
Current Conditions: -1°C, mostly cloudy. Winds from the northeast at 10 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1025 mb, steady.
Forecast: Snowfall will start on the 18th, with about 5 cm expected by the end of the day. More snow will come on the 19th, with a high of 0°C, followed by cloudy skies on the 20th.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Keep those winter jackets handy, and if you’re heading out, waterproof boots are a must.
Trivia: Sandy Lake often sees its first major snow by mid-October, turning the area into a winter wonderland before Halloween.
Sunrise: 8:16 AM | Sunset: 6:52 PM
Pikangikum
Current Conditions: 0°C, overcast skies. Winds from the northwest at 15 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1023 mb, steady.
Forecast: Snow on the 18th, with 3 cm expected. The snow will continue into the 19th, with temperatures hovering around 1°C, and the 20th will be overcast with more flurries possible.
Wardrobe Suggestions: A warm coat, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots will keep you cozy and dry in the snow.
Trivia: Pikangikum sees its first measurable snowfall by mid-October, but don’t be surprised if winter takes hold quickly after that!
Sunrise: 8:07 AM | Sunset: 6:50 PM
Cat Lake
Current Conditions: -1°C, cloudy skies. Winds from the northwest at 10 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1024 mb, steady.
Forecast: Snowfall will begin by the afternoon of the 18th, with about 4 cm expected. The 19th will bring another wave of snow and a high of 0°C. Light flurries will continue on the 20th.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Winter coats and snow boots are a must, especially with snow in the forecast all weekend!
Trivia: Cat Lake has a history of early snowfall, with October often looking and feeling like winter’s dress rehearsal.
Sunrise: 8:09 AM | Sunset: 6:52 PM
Kasabonika Lake
Current Conditions: -2°C, overcast. Winds from the northeast at 20 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1026 mb, steady.
Forecast: Snow starting on the 18th, with up to 5 cm expected. More snow is forecast for the 19th, with temperatures around -1°C. The 20th will bring cloudy skies and more flurries.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Layer up with warm clothing and be prepared for slick, snowy conditions.
Trivia: Kasabonika Lake is used to snow piling up early in the season, and October snowstorms are nothing new.
Sunrise: 8:14 AM | Sunset: 6:56 PM
Neskantaga (Lansdowne House)
Current Conditions: 0°C, cloudy skies. Winds from the northwest at 15 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1025 mb, rising.
Forecast: Light snow is expected throughout the 18th and 19th, with highs around 1°C. The 20th will bring cloudy skies with intermittent flurries.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Winter gear will be your best friend this weekend. Keep warm and stay dry!
Trivia: Neskantaga often transitions quickly into winter, with snow becoming a common sight by mid-October.
Sunrise: 8:13 AM | Sunset: 6:54 PM
Summer Beaver (Nibinamik)
Current Conditions: -1°C, partly cloudy. Winds from the northeast at 20 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1027 mb, steady.
Forecast: Snow will start on the 18th and continue through the 19th, with highs around -1°C. The 20th will bring cloudy skies with more flurries likely in the afternoon.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Winter coats, snow boots, and gloves are essential to handle the cold and snow.
Trivia: Summer Beaver often feels more like “Winter Beaver” by late October, with the snow sticking around until spring.
Sunrise: 8:17 AM | Sunset: 6:57 PM
Peawanuck
Current Conditions: -3°C, partly cloudy skies. Winds from the northeast at 20 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1028 mb, rising.
Forecast: Snow showers are expected on the 18th and 19th, with temperatures around -2°C. The 20th will bring cloudy skies with a chance of more flurries.
Wardrobe Suggestions: It’s time to go full winter mode—thick coats, snow boots, and warm layers are a must.
Trivia: Peawanuck, located near the Hudson Bay coast, often experiences bitterly cold temperatures early, and this October is no exception.
Sunrise: 8:24 AM | Sunset: 6:47 PM
Attawapiskat
Current Conditions: -2°C, overcast skies. Winds from the northeast at 15 km/h. Barometric pressure: 1026 mb, steady.
Forecast: Snow will start in the afternoon of the 18th and continue into the 19th, with temperatures staying around -1°C. The 20th will bring cloudy skies with occasional flurries.
Wardrobe Suggestions: Bundle up in warm clothing with waterproof boots to handle the snow!
Trivia: Attawapiskat’s location along James Bay means it can get an early start to winter, and this weekend looks to be another one of those times.
Sunrise: 8:28 AM | Sunset: 6:52 PM
