THUNDER BAY – WEATHER DESK – As the holiday season unfolds, Northern Ontario’s First Nation communities can anticipate a variety of winter weather conditions. Here’s an overview for Marten Falls, Big Trout Lake (KI), Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, Kasabonika, Bearskin Lake, Pikangikum, Attawapiskat, Peawanuck, Summer Beaver, Fort Severn/Wasaho Cree Nation, Neskantaga, Round Lake, and Cat Lake.
General Weather Patterns
- December 25 – 27: Expect predominantly cloudy skies with occasional sunbreaks. Daytime highs will range from -2°C to 4°C, while nighttime lows hover between -4°C and 0°C. Light winds and moderate humidity will prevail, with chances of light snow or rain showers, particularly on December 27.
- December 28 – January 1: The period will start with cloudy conditions and mild temperatures, with highs between 2°C and 4°C. As the New Year approaches, anticipate a significant drop in temperatures, with daytime highs plunging to -13°C and lows reaching -20°C. Increased chances of snow showers and flurries are expected, especially around December 31 and January 1.
Community-Specific Highlights
- Marten Falls: Starting with sunny intervals on December 25, transitioning to low clouds and mild temperatures around 3°C. A cooling trend begins on December 30, with highs dropping to -2°C and lows to -14°C by January 1.
- Big Trout Lake (KI): Cloudy conditions dominate, with highs near 0°C on December 25, rising slightly to 2°C by December 28. A sharp temperature decline follows, with highs of -13°C and lows of -19°C by January 1.
- Sachigo Lake: Expect cloudy skies with occasional showers on December 28, with highs around 3°C. Temperatures will decrease to -16°C by December 31, accompanied by periods of snow.
- Sandy Lake: Cloudy with light snow on December 29, with highs near -1°C. A cooling trend continues into the New Year, with highs of -9°C and lows of -22°C by January 1.
- Kasabonika: Anticipate cloudy skies with occasional rain on December 28, with highs around 4°C. A transition to colder temperatures and snow showers is expected by December 31, with highs of -16°C and lows of -26°C.
- Bearskin Lake: Cloudy with light snow on December 29, with highs near 2°C. Temperatures will drop to -4°C by January 1, with increased chances of flurries.
- Pikangikum: Cloudy with occasional rain on December 28, with highs around 2°C. A significant temperature drop to -14°C is expected by December 31, with lows reaching -24°C.
- Attawapiskat: Mostly sunny on December 25, with highs near -1°C. Cloudy conditions with light rain are expected on December 29, with highs around 2°C. A cooling trend follows, with highs of -8°C by January 1.
- Peawanuck: Low clouds on December 25, with highs near -3°C. Cloudy with a passing shower on December 28, with highs around 3°C. A sharp temperature decline to -17°C is expected by December 31, with lows reaching -26°C.
- Summer Beaver: Intervals of clouds and sun on December 25, with highs near -2°C. Cloudy with occasional showers on December 28, with highs around 3°C. A cooling trend continues into the New Year, with highs of -11°C by January 1.
- Fort Severn/Wasaho Cree Nation: Low clouds on December 25, with highs near -2°C. Cloudy with occasional rain on December 28, with highs around 2°C. A significant temperature drop to -16°C is expected by December 31, with lows reaching -23°C.
- Neskantaga: Sunshine and a few clouds on December 25, with highs near -2°C. Cloudy with occasional showers on December 28, with highs around 4°C. A cooling trend follows, with highs of -6°C by January 1.
- Round Lake: Mostly cloudy on December 25, with highs near -6°C. Cloudy with periods of rain on December 29, with highs around 4°C. A transition to colder temperatures is expected by January 1, with highs of -1°C.
- Cat Lake: Mostly cloudy on December 25, with highs near -1°C. Cloudy with periods of snow and rain on December 28, with highs around 1°C. A cooling trend continues into the New Year, with highs of -14°C by January 1.
Wardrobe Tips
For the first half of this period, layers are your best friend! A warm jacket, gloves, and a hat are sufficient. By December 29, prepare for much colder weather: insulated jackets, snow pants, heavy boots, and thermal accessories are essential to stay warm and dry during the Arctic chill.
Did You Know?
Fort Severn, Ontario, is the northernmost community in the province. Its remote location often sees dramatic temperature swings, which are typical for the festive season. This New Year’s Day, expect some of the coldest temperatures in the region!
