Freezing Rain Warning in Effect for Sioux Lookout – Slippery Conditions Expected

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Freezing Rain Warning

Icy Start to the Day, Followed by a Warm-Up

Sioux Lookout is under a Freezing Rain Warning, with icy conditions this morning before warming to rain. A messy mix of snow, ice, and strong winds arrives Saturday

Sioux Lookout and Eastern Lac Seul are under a Freezing Rain Warning, with ice accumulations of 1 to 3 mm expected this morning. Surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and parking lots could become icy and slippery, so take extra caution when heading out. The good news? As temperatures rise above freezing later today, the freezing rain will transition to showers.

Current Conditions: A Chilly, Icy Morning

At 5:00 AM CDT, the temperature sits at 1.1°C under cloudy skies. Humidity is at 75%, with a southeast wind of 12 km/h making it feel a bit cooler. The barometric pressure is falling at 100.2 kPa, indicating that the weather is in for a change. Visibility is decent at 24 km, but that could drop in areas affected by ice.

Today’s Forecast: Ice to Rain with Gusty Winds

Periods of freezing rain or ice pellets will taper off this morning, making way for a mix of sun and cloud with a 60% chance of rain. The southeast wind will pick up to 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h by this morning. Highs will reach a relatively mild 9°C, so expect any lingering ice to melt as the day progresses.

Tonight, cloudy skies persist with a 60% chance of rain. There’s also a risk of a thunderstorm late this evening and overnight, keeping things unsettled. The low will stay at a mild 5°C.

Saturday: A Wild Mix of Weather

Saturday starts with rain, but don’t get too comfortable—it will transition to snow mixed with ice pellets in the afternoon, bringing up to 5 cm of accumulation. There’s also a risk of freezing rain in the afternoon, so roads could become icy again.

Expect a north wind at 20 km/h in the morning, becoming northwest 40 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h in the afternoon, creating blowing snow and poor visibility. Temperatures will drop quickly to -2°C, with wind chills making it feel like -12°C by afternoon.

Saturday night brings continued snow and blowing snow, with temperatures plunging to -15°C.

Sunday and Beyond: Cold and Flurry-Filled

Sunday will see a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of flurries and a high of -6°C. The night will be bitterly cold, with lows reaching -18°C.

Monday offers a slight warm-up, with a high near 0°C and a continued 30% chance of flurries. Overnight, expect cloudy periods and a low of -13°C.

Travel Advisory: Ice and Snow Will Make for Hazardous Roads

With icy conditions this morning, followed by rain, and then a return to freezing rain and snow on Saturday, travel will be tricky. Roads may become slick and treacherous, so use caution and allow extra time if heading out. Wind gusts on Saturday will also lead to blowing snow, further reducing visibility.

Wardrobe Advice: Layers for an Unpredictable Weekend

This is a classic “dress for all seasons” kind of weekend. Today, a waterproof jacket and boots will keep you dry through the rain and melting ice. Tomorrow, full winter gear returns, with a heavy coat, gloves, a hat, and insulated boots needed as temperatures fall and winds pick up.

Fun Weather Fact: The Science of Freezing Rain

Did you know that freezing rain starts as snow high up in the clouds? As it falls, it melts into rain, but then supercools before hitting the surface, instantly freezing on contact. This is why even a small amount of freezing rain can create a dangerously slick layer of ice!

Stay safe, watch out for icy spots, and be prepared for an unpredictable weekend ahead in Sioux Lookout!

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