Northwestern Ontario sees sharp temperature divide, wet snow and strong winds
A northwest-to-southeast temperature divide will bring wet snow and strong winds to eastern areas, while western communities see clearing skies.
THUNDER BAY · A sharp northwest-to-southeast temperature divide is shaping weather across Northwestern Ontario on Thursday. Western communities like Kenora and Fort Frances will see clearing skies and highs near 4 C, while eastern areas near Lake Nipigon face wet snow, sub-zero afternoon temperatures and strong north winds. Environment Canada said the multi-day rainfall total was near 80 millimetres in some areas, with an additional five to 10 millimetres possible Thursday morning. Saturated ground increases the risk of ponding and washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts.
Nipigon remained under a yellow rainfall warning early Thursday. Rain mixed with snow is expected to end during the morning, followed by a 30 per cent chance of flurries. North winds of 50 km/h gusting to 70 will persist, with the temperature holding near 2 C. The overnight low will be near -3 C, with a wind chill around -9. In the Greenstone area, represented by the Geraldton-Longlac-Caramat zone, rain will change to snow before ending near noon, with about two centimetres possible. The temperature will fall to -2 C with north winds gusting to 60 km/h. Armstrong has a 30 per cent flurry chance, north gusts to 50 km/h and a high of 1 C. The overnight low there is -8 C with a wind chill near -10.
Farther west, Kenora will see clearing skies during the afternoon with a high of 4 C. Red Lake and Sioux Lookout will clear near 2 C, while Dryden will also reach 2 C as cloud gives way to some sun. Fort Frances reaches 4 C, and Ignace remains overcast near 0 C. North or northeast winds will gust to 40 or 50 km/h across much of the western district. Tonight is forecast to be clear or partly cloudy in the west. Lows will range from -6 C at Dryden to -8 C at Fort Frances. Kenora, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout and Ignace will fall near -7 C, with wind chills generally around -9 to -12. Fog patches may develop where winds become light.
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Friday brings sunshine across the region. Kenora, Red Lake, Dryden and Fort Frances will see highs of 4 or 5 C. Sioux Lookout will reach 4 C and Ignace 3 C. Nipigon will reach 4 C under sunshine, Armstrong will clear during the morning and reach 4 C, and Greenstone will clear with a high near 2 C. Morning wind chills will range from about -8 to -11, and drivers are advised to remain alert for frozen puddles and black ice, particularly on bridges and shaded secondary roads. Saturday is forecast to be sunny or partly sunny across Northwestern Ontario. Kenora, Dryden, Ignace and Red Lake will reach about 8 C. Fort Frances and Sioux Lookout will approach 9 C. Greenstone and Armstrong will reach about 7 C, while Nipigon will reach approximately 6 C. No significant precipitation is forecast during the day.
Environment Canada advises using a wind-resistant winter shell, gloves and waterproof boots on Thursday. Travellers around Nipigon and Greenstone should carry dry clothing because wet snow and strong wind can chill quickly. Wet snow is most likely when temperatures are close to 0 C, and its higher liquid-water content makes it heavier and more adhesive than dry, powdery snow. Your Space Hamilton reported on November 4 that heavy rain warnings were in effect for parts of the region, with multi-day totals near 80 millimetres.
With files from NetNewsLedger