Kenora & Lake of the Woods: Bitter Cold Continues with a Frostbite Risk
Bundle Up—Extreme Wind Chills Persist in the Region
Winter is holding a firm grip over Kenora and the Lake of the Woods region this morning, with frigid temperatures and biting wind chills making outdoor activities a serious challenge. As of 5:00 AM CST at the Kenora Airport, it’s -25.5°C, but with a north wind at 12 km/h, it feels like a bone-chilling -35. The humidity sits at 78%, and the barometric pressure is rising at 103.2 kPa, signalling continued cold but stable conditions.
Today’s Forecast: Cold, but Sunny Skies Ahead
If you’re hoping for a little warmth today, you may be out of luck. The forecast calls for mainly sunny skies with winds up to 15 km/h. The high will struggle to reach -16°C, but wind chill values will make it feel like -34°C this morning and -20°C by the afternoon. If you’re heading outside, multiple layers and proper winter gear are essential—there is a risk of frostbite in just minutes of exposure. The UV index is low at 1, so while the sun may shine, it won’t do much to counteract the Arctic air.
Tonight: Temperature Plummets Even Further
Clear skies will allow temperatures to dive even lower tonight, dropping to -28°C. The wind remains light at up to 15 km/h, but even that is enough to bring the wind chill down to -21°C this evening and an unbearable -37°C overnight. Frostbite is a major concern, so limit outdoor exposure and ensure any exposed skin is covered.
Sunday & Monday: No Warm-Up in Sight
The deep freeze continues into Sunday, with mainly sunny skies and a high of -20°C. The wind chill in the morning will be a brutal -37°C, moderating slightly to -28°C in the afternoon. By nighttime, some clouds will roll in, with a 30% chance of flurries and a low of -28°C.
Monday follows a similar pattern, with a mix of sun and cloud and a 30% chance of flurries. The high will again be -20°C, and the nighttime low will hover around -27°C.
Wardrobe Recommendations: Stay Warm, Stay Safe
This is not the kind of cold to take lightly. If you’re stepping outside, bundle up with multiple insulating layers, a heavy winter jacket, thermal socks, and insulated gloves or mittens. A toque and scarf are non-negotiable, as frostbite can set in within minutes on exposed skin.
Kenora Weather Trivia: A Record-Breaking Deep Freeze
Did you know the coldest temperature ever recorded in Kenora was -45.6°C on January 10, 1916? While we’re not quite there today, this kind of extreme cold is nothing new for the region!
Stay warm, Kenora! Keep an eye on pets, check on your neighbors, and remember—hot chocolate is your best friend in weather like this.
