Winter Travel Advisory in Effect
Geraldton faces up to 15 cm of snow, blowing snow, and icy wind chills near -24°C today. Travel conditions on Highway 11 will be hazardous. Stay safe!
A Winter Weather Travel Advisory remains in place for Geraldton, Longlac, Caramat, and Highway 11, as a winter storm on the edge of Lake Superior brings 5 to 15 cm of snow and reduced visibility due to blowing snow. The worst conditions will persist through early Thursday morning, with areas closer to Marathon seeing the heaviest snowfall.
Northeasterly winds gusting up to 50 km/h will create blowing and drifting snow, making travel difficult. If you don’t need to be on the road, it’s best to delay travel plans until conditions improve.
Current Conditions (5:09 AM EST, March 5, 2025)
Snow is already falling across the region, with temperatures sitting at a frigid -9°C. Strong north winds at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, are making it feel much colder, with a wind chill near -21°C. Visibility is reduced in heavier snow and blowing snow, and road conditions are deteriorating quickly.
Today’s Forecast: Heavy Snow & Gusty Winds
Expect snow and local blowing snow throughout the day, with 5 to 10 cm of accumulation. Winds from the north at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, will cause reduced visibility, especially along exposed stretches of Highway 11.
The high temperature will struggle to reach -9°C, but with the wind chill, it will feel closer to -21°C all day.
Tonight: More Snow & Bitter Cold
Periods of snow will continue tonight, adding another 2 to 4 cm to the totals. Blowing snow will persist into the evening, making for challenging driving conditions. Winds will remain strong from the north at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, and temperatures will plummet to -15°C, with a wind chill of -24°C overnight.
Thursday, March 6: Snow Ends, But the Cold Lingers
The snow will finally taper off early in the morning, giving way to a mix of sun and cloud. Winds will ease slightly, shifting to the northwest at 20 km/h, but the day will still start bitterly cold. The morning wind chill will be a brutal -24°C, improving slightly to -9°C in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Cloudy periods return, with a 40% chance of flurries and a low of -18°C.
Friday, March 7: A Brief Break in the Snow
Friday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of flurries and a high of -7°C.
Friday Night: More cloudy periods with a 30% chance of flurries, and another frigid night with lows near -18°C.
Saturday, March 8: Cold, But Some Sun
Saturday continues the mix of sun and cloud, with highs around -7°C. The night will be cloudy, with lows near -17°C.
What to Wear?
Layer up—thick winter jackets, insulated boots, gloves, and a warm hat are essential. With wind chills near -24°C, frostbite can occur quickly if you’re not dressed properly. If you’re heading out, goggles or a scarf to protect your face from blowing snow will make a big difference.
Weather Trivia: Geraldton’s Coldest March Ever?
Did you know that Geraldton recorded its coldest March temperature on March 2, 1948, when the mercury plunged to a bone-chilling -45.6°C? While we’re nowhere near that extreme, the wind chills over the next couple of days will make it feel pretty close!
Final Thoughts
Geraldton and Highway 11 drivers need to brace for challenging travel conditions today and tonight. Snowfall between 5 to 15 cm, combined with gusty winds and reduced visibility, will make driving difficult. If you must be on the road, drive cautiously, leave extra stopping distance, and check road conditions before heading out. Stay warm and stay safe!
