Brace for a Wild Weekend – Winter Weather Returns in Full Force

Residents of Fort Frances, Emo, and Rainy River should prepare for a significant winter storm set to arrive Saturday morning and last through the evening. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect, warning of heavy snow, freezing rain, ice pellets, and strong winds up to 60 km/h. Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead.

Current Conditions: A Mild Start Before the Storm

At 5:00 AM CDT, Fort Frances sits at 3.6°C with a humidity level of 65%. Winds are out of the ENE at 13 km/h, and the barometric pressure is falling at 99.9 kPa, signaling the approaching storm system. While conditions are calm now, significant changes are on the way.

Today’s Forecast: A Last Taste of Spring-Like Warmth

Today, expect a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of showers. Winds will shift southeast at 20 km/h later this morning, pushing temperatures to an unseasonably mild high of 14°C.

Tonight, cloudy skies with a 60% chance of showers will linger, along with a risk of thunderstorms. Winds will turn northwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h before morning, with a low of 3°C.

Saturday: A Wintery Mess Unfolds

Saturday morning will start with rain, but don’t get used to it—freezing rain, ice pellets, and heavy snow will take over as temperatures drop. Expect 10 to 15 cm of snow and ice accumulation, leading to hazardous road conditions.

Winds will be a major factor, gusting up to 60 km/h, creating blowing snow and drastically reduced visibility. By afternoon, temperatures will fall to -5°C, and wind chills will make it feel like -14°C.

Saturday night will be snowy, windy, and bitterly cold, with lows dropping to -15°C.

Sunday and Beyond: Staying Cold but Calmer

Sunday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of flurries, with a high of -4°C. The night will be clear but cold, dropping to -14°C.

Monday offers a slight break from the deep freeze, with a high of +1°C and a 30% chance of flurries. Overnight, expect cloudy periods with a low of -9°C.

Hazards: Icy Roads, Blowing Snow, and Poor Visibility

With freezing rain and snow accumulation of up to 15 cm, roads and sidewalks will be extremely slippery. Winds up to 60 km/h will create blowing snow, making driving hazardous. If you must travel, check road conditions, slow down, and be prepared for delays.

Wardrobe Advice: From Spring Back to Deep Winter

Enjoy today’s warmth while it lasts because by Saturday, it’s back to full winter gear. You’ll need:
✅ Waterproof outer layers for the morning rain
✅ Insulated boots for the snow and ice
✅ Gloves, hat, and a warm winter coat as temperatures plunge
✅ Layers to adjust to the changing conditions throughout the day

Fun Weather Fact: The Sneaky Power of Freezing Rain

Did you know that freezing rain is more dangerous than snow when it comes to travel? Just 2 mm of ice can make roads as slippery as a skating rink, and even a light glaze can weigh down trees and power lines, increasing the risk of outages.

Stay safe, stay warm, and be prepared for a wild weather ride in Fort Frances this weekend!