Heavy Snow and Blowing Winds: Sioux Lookout Under Weather Advisory

Winter Weather Advisory Brings Hazardous Travel and Arctic Chill

Snowstorm Hits Sioux Lookout

SIOUX LOOKOUT – WEATHER – Residents of Sioux Lookout and the Eastern Lac Seul region are waking up to a day of heavy snow and strong winds, with a Winter Weather Travel Advisory in effect for Friday, January 17, 2025. With 10 to 15 cm of snow expected by day’s end and gusty winds creating localized blowing snow, winter driving conditions will be dangerous. Travel plans? Maybe rethink those unless you enjoy quality time in a snowbank.

Current Conditions: A Cloudy, Snowy Morning

At 6:00 AM CST, Sioux Lookout is sitting at -2.5°C under cloudy skies. Humidity is high at 86%, and southerly winds are blowing at 18 km/h, gusting to 30 km/h, giving a wind chill of -8°C. Visibility is still 24 km, but snow accumulation and increasing winds will change that in a hurry. Barometric pressure is at 98.8 kPa and falling, a clear signal that the system bringing all this wintry fun is in full force.

Today’s Forecast: Heavy Snow and Blowing Snow

Snow will continue throughout the day, with 10 to 15 cm of accumulation expected by early evening. As the morning progresses, winds will shift from the south to the west and eventually the north, strengthening to 40 km/h, gusting up to 60 km/h this afternoon and evening.

These strong winds will create local blowing snow, reducing visibility significantly and making driving hazardous. Temperatures will remain steady around -2°C, but the wind chill will drop to -19°C by the afternoon, so keep that toque and scarf handy!

Tonight: Icy Chill Takes Hold

The snow will taper off to flurries early in the evening, but the strong northerly winds will persist, keeping blowing snow in play. By midnight, winds will ease slightly to 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, and skies will remain mainly cloudy.

Temperatures will drop dramatically to -25°C overnight, with a brutal wind chill of -36°C. Frostbite will become a real risk, so limit time outdoors, and ensure pets and outdoor animals are well sheltered.

Weekend Weather: Cold, Clear, and Crisp

After Friday’s snowy chaos, Sioux Lookout will head into a cold but calmer weekend.

• Saturday, January 18: A mix of sun and cloud with a high of -23°C. Winds from the northwest at 20 km/h will make it feel closer to -37°C, keeping frostbite concerns high. Overnight, skies will clear and temperatures will drop to -32°C.
• Sunday, January 19: Sunny skies dominate the day with a high of -25°C. Sunday night will be clear and even colder, hitting a low of -34°C.
• Monday, January 20: Sunny but frigid again, with a daytime high of -25°C and another clear, freezing night around -32°C.

Historic Weather Notes

For January 17, Sioux Lookout’s record high was a mild 5.0°C, set back in 1973. On the flip side, the record low was a bone-chilling -41.0°C, recorded in 1942. Thankfully, this week’s Arctic temperatures won’t dip quite that far—but it’ll still feel plenty cold.

Wardrobe and Travel Advice

For today’s snowy and windy weather, layer up! Windproof outerwear, thermal gloves, and insulated boots are non-negotiable. If you’re stepping outside, cover exposed skin to avoid frostbite.

Planning to drive? Be extra cautious. Blowing snow will reduce visibility, and roads will become slippery as snow piles up. Keep your headlights on, allow extra time to stop, and don’t tailgate. Better yet, consider postponing non-essential travel until road conditions improve.

Fun Weather Fact: Why Do Wind Chills Feel So Much Colder?

Wind chill measures how cold it feels on your skin when the wind is factored in. It speeds up heat loss from your body, making it feel much colder than the actual air temperature. For example, today’s -2°C will feel like -19°C in the afternoon due to those gusty winds!

Weather in Short Words

Sioux Lookout weather: Snowfall of 10-15 cm and gusty winds up to 60 km/h create hazardous travel. Wind chill drops to -36°C overnight. Stay safe and bundle up.