Kenora and Lake of the Woods face an Extreme Cold Warning with wind chills near -45°C into Tuesday. Frostbite risk is high. Stay indoors and stay safe!
Brace for Arctic Chill: Wind Chills Near -45°C
Kenora and surrounding communities, including Grassy Narrows and Whitedog, are under an Extreme Cold Warning as the region faces dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills that could dip as low as -45°C. The bone-chilling conditions are expected to persist into Tuesday afternoon, with limited daytime relief. This is not the kind of cold you mess with—layer up, stay indoors when possible, and check in on neighbors and pets. Frostbite can occur within minutes, so don’t take any risks.
Current Conditions in Kenora
At 8:00 AM CST Sunday, January 19, 2025, temperatures at the Kenora Airport were reported at a frigid -31.9°C, with ice crystals in the air. A light west wind of 13 km/h is enough to push the wind chill to a teeth-chattering -43°C. Humidity sits at 75%, while the barometric pressure is 102.9 kPa and falling, indicating stable but bitter conditions. Visibility is at 19 km, but the real danger is the frostbite-inducing cold.
For the record, Kenora’s January 19 historic high was a balmy 4.0°C in 1981, but in 1943, the mercury plunged to -38.3°C, showing that this is a region that knows its way around the extremes.
Sunday’s Forecast: Ice Crystals and Dangerous Cold
Sunday will remain brutally cold, with a high of only -23°C. Wind chill values will hover near -45°C in the morning and improve only slightly to -33°C in the afternoon. There’s a 30% chance of flurries this morning, but skies will remain mainly cloudy through the day. With conditions this harsh, frostbite can occur in under 5 minutes, so limit outdoor exposure and cover all exposed skin.
Sunday Night: Frostbite Risks Persist
Temperatures will drop even further overnight to a bone-rattling -33°C, with light winds keeping the wind chill near -41°C. Skies will clear, giving way to partly cloudy conditions, but don’t let that fool you—it will feel colder than your freezer, and frostbite remains a constant threat.
Monday’s Forecast: More Arctic Conditions
Monday’s forecast offers little reprieve, with sunny skies and a daytime high of -25°C. Wind chill values in the morning will once again sit around -45°C, moderating slightly to -33°C by afternoon. The night will bring clear skies and another plunge in temperatures to -34°C. The unrelenting cold will continue to make outdoor activities dangerous.
Tuesday Outlook: Subzero Standoff
Tuesday looks much the same, with sunny skies and a high near -24°C. While slightly “warmer,” the wind chill will still hover near -45°C in the early morning before moderating in the afternoon. Clouds will roll in Tuesday night, bringing a 40% chance of flurries and slightly “milder” lows of -24°C.
Wednesday: A Slight Break on the Horizon
By Wednesday, temperatures are expected to climb to -10°C, a relative heatwave compared to the earlier week. However, a 40% chance of flurries will keep things wintry. Overnight lows will still drop to -21°C, so don’t retire your layers just yet.
Extreme Cold Safety Tips
With wind chills of -40 to -45°C, safety is paramount. Here’s how to protect yourself and others:
- Dress in Layers: Start with moisture-wicking base layers, followed by insulating layers, and finish with a wind-resistant outer shell.
- Cover Up Fully: Frostbite can affect exposed skin in under 5 minutes. Use scarves, hats, mittens, and face masks.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: Stay inside unless absolutely necessary. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks indoors to warm up.
- Check on Vulnerable People: The elderly, children, and those with chronic conditions are at increased risk.
- Bring Pets Indoors: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
Road Conditions: Exercise Caution
Highways in the Kenora and Lake of the Woods region, including Highway 17, will remain passable but icy. Black ice and snow-packed areas are common, and vehicles without proper winter tires could face challenges. Carry an emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, and extra warm clothing if you’re traveling. Visibility is good today, but blowing snow could create localized issues in open areas.
What to Wear Today
If you’re venturing outside today, dress like you’re preparing for the Arctic. Start with thermal base layers, add insulated pants and jackets, and finish with windproof mittens, a toque, and a scarf to protect exposed skin. Heat packs in your gloves or boots can make a world of difference.
Fun Weather Trivia
Did you know Kenora holds a record for enduring some of the coldest Januarys in Ontario history? January 1929 saw temperatures consistently below -35°C, a stark reminder of how harsh winters in this region can get. This week is certainly living up to that legacy!
