Icy Morning Before a Rainy Warm-Up
Geraldton faces freezing rain this morning before showers and thunderstorms develop. More freezing rain and snow return Saturday night, creating hazardous travel
A Freezing Rain Warning is in effect for Geraldton, Longlac, Caramat, and areas along Highway 11, with ice accumulations of 1 to 3 mm expected this morning. If you’re heading out, be extra cautious on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots, as surfaces may become dangerously slippery.
Current Conditions: A Chilly and Icy Start
As of 6:00 AM EDT, the temperature sits at -1.4°C under mostly cloudy skies. The humidity is 83%, and the wind from the ESE at 9 km/h brings the wind chill down to -5°C. Visibility is 16 km, and the pressure is at 100.9 kPa and falling, signaling a shift in weather conditions.
Today: Freezing Rain to Showers with a Thunderstorm Risk
This morning will bring periods of light snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain, making for hazardous travel conditions. However, temperatures will rise above freezing near noon, allowing the freezing rain to transition into rain. There’s still a risk of freezing rain early this afternoon, so slick roads may persist.
By late afternoon, the temperature will climb to 7°C, and thunderstorms could develop. Winds will pick up from the southeast at 20 km/h, and the UV index will remain low at 1.
Tonight, periods of rain will taper off by midnight, leaving behind cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers. There’s still a risk of a thunderstorm this evening and overnight. The southeast wind will become light, and the temperature will remain mild at 2°C.
Saturday: Showers Continue Before Freezing Rain and Snow Return
Saturday will bring mostly cloudy skies with a 30% chance of showers in the morning, with steadier rain arriving in the afternoon. Thunderstorms are possible early in the day, and winds will become southerly at 20 km/h. The high will reach 9°C, making for a relatively mild day.
Saturday night, however, will see a return to winter weather. Periods of freezing rain and snow will develop, along with blowing snow as winds pick up. Temperatures will drop to -6°C, creating hazardous travel conditions once again.
Sunday and Beyond: Back to Winter Cold
Sunday will be cloudy with a 60% chance of flurries and a high of -6°C. The night will be even colder, with cloudy periods and a low of -18°C.
Monday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of flurries and a high of -2°C, with cloudy periods and a low of -15°C overnight.
Hazards: Ice, Thunderstorms, and Blowing Snow
- Freezing rain this morning could cause slippery roads and walkways.
- Rain and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening could create water pooling on roads.
- Freezing rain and snow Saturday night could make travel dangerous, with reduced visibility and icy roads.
Wardrobe Advice: From Ice to Rain to Snow – Dress for Everything
- This morning: Wear warm layers with waterproof boots to avoid slipping on ice.
- This afternoon and evening: A rain jacket and lighter layers will be best as temperatures rise.
- Saturday night and Sunday: Winter coats, hats, gloves, and insulated boots will be necessary as temperatures drop and winds pick up.
Fun Weather Fact: Freezing Rain’s Sneaky Danger
Did you know that freezing rain is more dangerous than regular snow? Since it coats everything in an invisible layer of ice, roads and sidewalks can become treacherous even when they look clear. A car driving on just 1 mm of ice has less traction than on a road covered in snow!
Stay safe, drive carefully, and prepare for an icy start followed by a wet and stormy weekend in Geraldton!
