Snow Squall Warning Ended at 18:10 PM

Snow squalls bring heavy snow and icy winds to Thunder Bay tonight. Wind chills of -29°C expected. Arctic air lingers for a frosty weekend ahead

Hold Onto Your Hats—Snow Squalls are Sweeping In!

Get ready for a blustery winter evening here in Thunder Bay as a Snow Squall Warning takes center stage.

Rapid bursts of heavy snowfall combined with strong winds are expected to roll in early this evening, reducing visibility to near zero in some areas.

If you’re heading out, prepare for a wild ride as this snowy tempest unfolds.

Current temperatures sit at a mild 2.8°C, but don’t let that fool you—Arctic air is waiting in the wings to plunge us into a deep freeze overnight.

Current Conditions as of 3:00 PM EST

Thunder Bay is seeing mostly cloudy skies, with a pressure of 98.8 kPa and falling, indicating an active weather pattern. Humidity is at 63%, and the winds are currently out of the west-southwest at 18 km/h, though gusts are expected to intensify as we move into the evening.

Visibility is quite good right now at 32 km, but that will deteriorate quickly once the snow squalls settle in.

What to Expect Tonight

Get ready for a sharp weather reversal. The snow squalls will bring bursts of heavy snow and gusty northwest winds of up to 60 km/h before tapering off around midnight. Once the squalls pass, temperatures will take a nosedive to -20°C overnight, with wind chill values making it feel like a frigid -29°C.

Frostbite risk will be high, so bundle up if you need to head out late.

Looking Ahead: Saturday, January 18, 2025

After tonight’s chaos, Thunder Bay will wake up to calmer but much colder conditions. A mix of sun and cloud is expected, but the temperature will hover around -16°C, with a biting morning wind chill of -30°C.

Winds will remain from the northwest, gusting to 40 km/h, which will keep things feeling frosty at -25°C by the afternoon. The UV index will be low at 1, but frostbite remains a serious risk if you’re outdoors for extended periods.

Saturday night will see partly cloudy skies and an overnight low of -29°C. You might want to keep your thermostat cranked and the hot cocoa flowing—it’s going to be a cold one.

Wardrobe Suggestions

For tonight: Winter boots, an insulated parka, and gloves are mandatory to handle the snow squalls. Add a scarf to shield your face from the biting wind.

For tomorrow: Layer up! You’ll need thermal underclothes, a hat, and mittens to fight off the frostbite-inducing chill. Don’t forget the windproof outerwear!

Historic High and Low for January 17

On this date, Thunder Bay’s warmest high ever recorded was 4.2°C in 1987, while the coldest low hit a bone-chilling -40.6°C in 1982. Tonight’s forecasted low of -20°C feels like a walk in the park compared to that historic deep freeze!

Fun Weather Trivia for Thunder Bay

Did you know that Thunder Bay is one of Canada’s snowiest cities, averaging over 220 cm of snow per year? The snow squalls tonight might add to that impressive total! If you love snow, you’re living in the right place—but if not, perhaps a vacation to sunnier climes is in order.

Stay Safe and Stay Warm

With snow squalls barreling in and wind chills making their icy presence known, it’s time to hunker down and brace for a classic Thunder Bay winter evening. Keep an eye on road conditions and stay safe if you must travel.