Bundle up, Northern Ontario—Jack Frost is here to stay, and he’s got a few surprises in store for Marten Falls, Big Trout Lake, Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, and other remote communities
A Chilly Forecast for January 17–20, 2025
As Northern Ontario settles into the heart of winter, the weather is reminding us all why this season is both beautiful and bitter. From flurries and frigid temperatures to gusty winds, communities like Marten Falls, Big Trout Lake, and Fort Severn are experiencing winter at its finest—or worst, depending on how you look at it.
Marten Falls – Crisp Winds and a Snowy Blanket
January 17: Expect a high of -20°C and a low of -30°C with light snow throughout the day. Winds are brisk, coming from the northwest at 20 km/h. Humidity sits at 72%, and the barometric pressure is steady at 102.5 kPa.
January 18-19: Light flurries will persist, with daytime highs around -22°C and overnight lows dipping to -31°C. Winds will shift from northwest to northeast at 15-25 km/h.
January 20: Temperatures moderate slightly to a high of -18°C. Skies clear up, offering sunshine but frigid conditions.
Wardrobe suggestion: Think layers. Thermal wear, insulated boots, and windproof outerwear will be your best friends.
Historic extremes for January 17 in the region: High of -8°C (1986), Low of -41°C (1972).
Big Trout Lake (KI) – Arctic Air Tightens Its Grip
January 17: Bitterly cold with a high of -22°C and a low of -33°C. Winds blow in from the west at 25 km/h, dropping the wind chill to around -40. Snowfall is light but persistent.
January 18-19: Overcast skies with periods of snow squalls. Highs hover at -24°C, with lows bottoming out at -34°C. Winds ease to 15 km/h.
January 20: A slight reprieve arrives, with a high of -20°C and mostly clear skies.
Wardrobe suggestion: Don’t skimp on mittens, scarves, and hats—frostbite risks are high in these conditions.
Historic extremes for January 17: High of -9°C (1995), Low of -44°C (1968).
Sachigo Lake – Snow Squalls and Frigid Breezes
January 17: Moderate snow falls through the day, with a high of -19°C and a low of -30°C. Winds are steady from the west at 15 km/h. Humidity is at 75%.
January 18-19: Temperatures plummet further, with highs near -23°C and lows reaching -35°C under cloudy skies. Blowing snow is possible.
January 20: Calm weather returns with clearer skies and a high of -18°C.
Wardrobe suggestion: Wear insulated everything. A parka and lined boots are non-negotiable.
Sandy Lake – Cold Comfort with a Chance of Flurries
January 17: Snowfall dominates the forecast with a high of -21°C. Overnight lows reach a biting -32°C, with wind chills in the -40 range due to westward winds at 20 km/h.
January 18-19: Overcast skies with light snow showers. Highs near -25°C, lows hitting -35°C.
January 20: Sunshine returns, though temperatures remain brisk at -22°C during the day.
Wardrobe suggestion: Layer up like you’re going to the Arctic—because, well, you pretty much are.
Kasabonika
Snowfall dominates the early part of this period, with highs of -21°C and lows dipping to -33°C. Winds are calmer here, but the cold is no less biting.
Bearskin Lake
Expect persistent snow flurries and a bone-chilling -34°C overnight low on January 19. Winds remain at 15-20 km/h throughout.
Pikangikum
Periods of light snow and clouds make up the forecast, with highs of -19°C and lows around -30°C. Temperatures improve slightly on January 20 with clearer skies.
Attawapiskat and Peawanuck
These far-northern communities will feel the brunt of the cold snap, with temperatures consistently ranging from -22°C in the day to -36°C at night. Snowfall is lighter but still present, and skies will begin to clear by January 20.
Summer Beaver
Brace for frigid lows of -37°C on January 18 and 19. The sun peeks out on January 20, offering a brief break from the relentless snow and cloud cover.
Fort Severn (Wasaho Cree Nation)
Snow squalls and extreme cold dominate the forecast here, with wind chills reaching -45°C at times. January 20 brings some respite with partly sunny skies.
Neskantaga and Round Lake
Temperatures hover around -23°C for daytime highs, with lows consistently in the mid -30°C range. Snowfall tapers off by January 19.
Cat Lake
Cloudy skies with intermittent snow showers and biting lows of -35°C will dominate most of this period.
Frosty Trivia to Warm Your Brain
Did you know that snow can sometimes “sing”? Under the right conditions—when temperatures are just below freezing and snow has a fine, powdery texture—it can squeak or crunch beneath your feet. Northern Ontario offers the perfect stage for such frosty acoustics, so take a moment to enjoy the “music” of winter during your next snowy walk!
Weather Overview
Frigid Arctic air dominates Northern Ontario’s remote communities, bringing heavy snow, biting winds, and wind chills below -40°C from January 17-20, 2025.
