A Slippery Morning, Followed by a Wet and Windy Weekend
Residents of Nipigon and Rossport should take extra caution this morning, as patchy freezing rain is creating icy and slippery surfaces on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Thankfully, temperatures will rise above freezing as the morning progresses, melting away the ice and transitioning to rain showers. The weekend, however, looks to be wet and windy, with a chance of thunderstorms and a return to flurries by Sunday.
Current Conditions: A Chilly and Icy Start
As of 6:00 AM EDT, temperatures are hovering just above freezing at 1.2°C with humidity at 85%. Winds are light from the south at 8 km/h, but a falling pressure of 100.7 kPa suggests a storm system is approaching.
Today: Freezing Rain Ends, Rain and Thunderstorms Take Over
This morning, patchy freezing rain will end, giving way to a mix of sun and cloud with a 40% chance of rain showers. By noon, steady rain will develop, and there’s even a risk of thunderstorms this afternoon.
Winds will increase from the southeast at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, making it feel cooler despite a high of 8°C. The wind chill this morning is near -9°C, so dress warmly if heading out early.
The UV index will be moderate at 3, meaning some sun may break through before the rain settles in.
Tonight: Showers with a Thunderstorm Risk
Evening showers will taper off, but cloudy skies and a 30% chance of lingering showers remain. There is also a risk of thunderstorms early in the evening, so expect some unsettled weather.
Winds will continue from the southeast at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, keeping the night mild at 4°C.
Saturday: Rain, Gusty Winds, and Thunderstorm Risk
Saturday will bring periods of rain throughout the day, with another chance of thunderstorms in the morning. Winds will remain strong from the southeast at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, keeping conditions blustery.
Despite the rain, it will feel quite mild, with a high of 10°C. The UV index will be low at 1, so sunshine will be scarce.
Saturday night, rain will continue, but temperatures will drop to -5°C, setting the stage for a return to winter-like conditions on Sunday.
Sunday and Beyond: Winter Returns
Sunday will be cloudy with a 60% chance of flurries, and the temperature will struggle to reach -4°C. Winds will likely create a colder wind chill, making it feel more like the depths of winter again.
Sunday night will be cold and cloudy, with a 40% chance of flurries and a low of -15°C.
Monday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of flurries, a high of -2°C, and a low of -12°C overnight.
Hazards: Icy Surfaces, Heavy Rain, and Strong Winds
- Icy conditions this morning from freezing rain could create hazardous travel, especially on untreated surfaces.
- Heavy rain Friday and Saturday may lead to ponding on roads and reduced visibility.
- Strong southeast winds (gusting up to 50 km/h) could make driving tricky, especially along Highway 17.
- A sharp temperature drop Saturday night into Sunday could cause wet roads to freeze, leading to slick conditions by Sunday morning.
Wardrobe Advice: Prepare for Everything
- This Morning: Warm layers with waterproof boots to handle the icy conditions.
- This Afternoon & Saturday: A raincoat and waterproof footwear will be essential as showers and thunderstorms develop.
- Sunday & Monday: Heavy winter gear returns, with gloves, a hat, and insulated clothing needed as temperatures drop below freezing again.
Fun Weather Fact: Thunderstorms and Snow in the Same Weekend?
Did you know that thundersnow is a real phenomenon? When cold air collides with a powerful storm system, thunderstorms can still form, even if it’s snowing! While this weekend is mostly bringing rain, by Sunday, the system’s cold backside will switch things over to flurries, making for an impressive mix of spring-like storms and winter chills.
Stay safe, be cautious of icy surfaces, and get ready for a wet and windy weekend in Nipigon and Rossport!
