Snow and Arctic Chill: Thunder Bay Braces for Bitter Cold

Snowy Start Leads to a Deep Freeze This Weekend

A Snowy and Blustery Day in Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Winter is in full swing in Thunder Bay, with light snow falling and a bitter cold snap set to take hold over the next few days. As of Friday, January 17, 2025, the city is experiencing a mix of snow and gusty winds, but this is just the prelude to a weekend of plummeting temperatures and icy wind chills.

If you’ve been missing the “good old days” of harsh winter weather, your nostalgia is about to get a reality check.

Current Conditions: Snowy Morning

At 7:10 AM EST, Thunder Bay’s temperature was sitting at 0.3°C, with light snow in the air and 80% humidity making for a damp and chilly morning. Winds are coming from the south at 23 km/h, gusting to 35 km/h, creating a wind chill of -7°C. Visibility remains decent at 24 km, but with snow in the forecast, conditions could change rapidly. Barometric pressure is at 99.5 kPa and falling, signaling an active weather system.

Today’s Forecast: Snow Gives Way to Cold Winds

Periods of snow will taper off early this morning, leaving behind cloudy skies with a 40% chance of flurries for the rest of the day. Winds will shift from the south to the west by noon, blowing at 20 km/h and gusting to 40 km/h, while the high temperature will peak at +2°C.

Don’t be fooled by that daytime high, though—the wind chill will still make it feel like -7°C this morning. And as evening approaches, colder air will rush in, setting the stage for a dramatic temperature drop overnight.

Tonight: Blowing Snow and Bone-Chilling Cold

Periods of snow will return tonight, ending near midnight but leaving behind cloudy skies and localized blowing snow. Northwest winds will howl at 40 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, before easing slightly to 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, by morning.

Temperatures will plummet to a low of -20°C, with wind chills making it feel like a frigid -29°C. This extreme cold brings with it a risk of frostbite, so dress warmly and avoid exposing skin to the icy winds for long periods.

Weekend Outlook: Winter’s Icy Grip Tightens

Thunder Bay residents will face a bitterly cold weekend, with wind chills and frostbite warnings dominating the forecast.

• Saturday, January 18: Expect a mix of sun and cloud with northwest winds continuing at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h. Temperatures will only reach -16°C, with wind chills hovering around -30°C in the morning and -25°C in the afternoon. Don’t forget the thermal layers if you’re venturing outside. Saturday night will be clear and even colder, with temperatures dropping to -25°C.
• Sunday, January 19: Sunny skies will shine over Thunder Bay, but the high will struggle to reach -22°C. Overnight, clear skies will bring the temperature down to -28°C.
• Monday, January 20: Another sunny day with a high of -22°C, followed by an overnight low of -33°C. Temperatures are expected to rival the coldest seen in recent years, so prepare for an Arctic blast.

Historic Weather for January 17

For January 17 in Thunder Bay’s history, the warmest recorded high was a mild 6.2°C in 1981, while the coldest low ever recorded for this date was -37.0°C in 1943. This weekend’s lows may not break records, but they’ll certainly remind us of just how brutal winter can be.

Wardrobe and Safety Tips

Today’s snow and gusty winds call for windproof and waterproof gear—think insulated coats, thermal gloves, and snow boots with good traction. As the temperatures drop tonight and over the weekend, switch to full-on Arctic survival mode: layer thermal undergarments, wear a balaclava to protect your face, and don’t forget wool socks to keep your toes from freezing.

If you need to travel, keep an emergency kit in your car. Pack extra blankets, a flashlight, and some snacks—blowing snow and icy roads may cause delays or hazards. And remember: frostbite can develop in minutes on exposed skin when wind chills are this low, so don’t take chances with the cold.

Fun Weather Fact: Thunder Bay’s Windy Snowstorms

Did you know that Thunder Bay’s location on the northwestern edge of Lake Superior makes it a hotspot for localized snowstorms? Winds whipping off the lake can create some intense drifting snow, so don’t be surprised if you see mini-snowbanks forming around your driveway after today’s blustery conditions.