Brace for an Alberta Clipper Bringing Up to 25 cm of Snow
Sioux Lookout braces for a winter storm, with 15-25 cm of snow expected tonight into Friday. Travel will be hazardous as an Alberta Clipper moves through
Sioux Lookout is under both a Winter Storm Warning and a Snowfall Warning, with a significant snowstorm expected to hit tonight and continue into Friday morning. An Alberta Clipper—a fast-moving, intense low-pressure system—will bring heavy snowfall, with accumulations of 15 cm, and local amounts near 25 cm possible. The storm will produce peak snowfall rates of 2 to 4 cm per hour, drastically reducing visibility and making travel treacherous.
Currently, light snow and drifting snow are reported at Sioux Lookout Airport, with a temperature of -3.9°C. Winds from the north at 19 km/h, gusting to 32 km/h, are bringing the wind chill down to -10°C. Humidity is at 89%, and visibility remains decent at 24 km, though that will change once the storm arrives. The barometric pressure is at 101.0 kPa and rising, but it will likely drop again as the clipper system moves in.
What is an Alberta Clipper?
An Alberta Clipper is a fast-moving winter storm system that originates in the Canadian Prairies, usually Alberta, before racing southeastward across the country. These storms are known for bringing quick bursts of heavy snow, strong winds, and rapid temperature drops. While they don’t usually carry as much moisture as larger storm systems, their speed and intensity can cause dangerous travel conditions in a short period.
Today’s Forecast: Light Snow Before the Main Event
Snowfall will taper off this morning, leaving behind cloudy skies and a 30% chance of flurries. A light dusting of 2 cm is expected. Winds will remain from the north at 20 km/h, easing as the day progresses. The temperature will only reach a high of -6°C, with wind chills making it feel closer to -15°C in the morning and -10°C in the afternoon. The UV index remains low at 1.
Tonight: Heavy Snow Moves In
The real winter wallop begins late this evening when the Alberta Clipper arrives. Expect 10 to 15 cm of snow overnight, with localized higher amounts in certain areas. Winds will be light, up to 15 km/h, but temperatures will drop to -11°C, with the wind chill plunging to -18°C overnight. Road conditions will deteriorate rapidly, with highways, parking lots, and sidewalks becoming difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
Friday and the Weekend: Cold and Snowy Conditions Linger
Friday morning will still see lingering snowfall before it tapers off to a 40% chance of flurries by the afternoon. Another 2 cm of accumulation is possible. The high will only reach -8°C, with a wind chill of -19°C in the morning and -14°C in the afternoon.
Friday night will be brutally cold, with cloudy periods and a 30% chance of flurries. The low will plummet to -25°C.
Saturday brings relief in the form of sunshine, with a high of -9°C, followed by a clear but frigid night at -22°C.
Sunday sees a slight warm-up, with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of -4°C. The night will be cloudy, with a low of -9°C.
Monday brings an even bigger temperature jump, with cloudy skies and a high of +3°C, though flurries may return Monday night with a low of -6°C.
What to Wear: Full Winter Gear Required
With an incoming snowstorm and bitter cold ahead, layering is crucial. A heavy insulated jacket, thermal layers, gloves, a hat, and a scarf will be necessary, especially with wind chills making it feel as cold as -19°C Friday morning. Waterproof boots with good traction are essential for navigating the deep snow. If traveling, pack extra blankets, emergency supplies, and a flashlight, as conditions may deteriorate rapidly once the snow starts falling.
Sioux Lookout Weather Trivia: Record-Breaking Snow
Sioux Lookout isn’t new to heavy snowfall, but did you know that Ontario’s all-time single-day snowfall record was set in Schreiber, just east of Thunder Bay, in 1966? On December 29, an unbelievable 57 cm of snow fell in just 24 hours! While tonight’s storm won’t break that record, it will still make for a challenging 24 hours in the region.
Stay safe, drive carefully, and prepare for a significant snowfall event tonight and into Friday morning!
