THUNDER BAY – WEATHER DESK – Northwestern Ontario is beginning 2026 below a agency grip of Arctic chilly. Many communities will see solar or clearing skies, however the greater story is harmful wind chills—routinely within the -30s, and pushing into the -40s in components of the Far North. In a number of areas, Setting Canada notes frostbite danger, and within the coldest zones frostbite can happen inside minutes. In excessive chilly and wind chill, the most secure selection for canines and cats is indoors. Preserve walks quick and purposeful (potty break solely), and select sheltered routes out of the wind. Watch intently for indicators they’re getting too chilly: shivering, lifting paws, refusing to stroll, whining, hunching, or making an attempt to show again. Wipe off snow and ice once you come inside, particularly between toes, and test paws for cracks—ice and street salt can burn. If you happen to use booties, be sure they match effectively; if not, paw balm may help. Cats shouldn’t be left to roam on this climate—present a heat, quiet indoor spot away from drafts. Livestock will really feel the chilly too. Take precautions.
Thunder Bay
Primarily sunny right this moment with a excessive close to -14°C, however wind chills stay harsh (round -30 this morning). Clear tonight close to -20°C with a continued frostbite danger.Dryden and Vermilion Bay
Bitter chilly continues with solar and a excessive close to -18°C. Wind chills are anticipated to dip into the -30s in a single day, preserving frostbite danger elevated for anybody exterior for lengthy.Kenora and Lake of the Woods area
A chilly however typically brighter day: primarily sunny with a excessive close to -17°C and wind chills within the -20s to -30s at instances. Chilly persists tonight and into Friday.Sioux Lookout
Sunny, however very chilly with a excessive close to -19°C and wind chill round -39 this morning (frostbite danger). Chilly continues tonight with wind chill close to -33.Ogoki Submit
Cloudy with a 60% probability of sunshine snow and native blowing snow. Excessive close to -21°C with wind chill close to -41 this morning and about -33 this afternoon—Setting Canada flags frostbite in minutes in these situations.Sandy Lake
Rising cloud with a excessive close to -21°C and a brutal wind chill close to -43 this morning. A 60% probability of sunshine snowarrives late right this moment/in a single day with wind chills staying deep within the -30s.Sachigo Lake
One of many coldest spots in right this moment’s set: rising cloud with a 60% probability of flurries and powerful winds. Excessive close to -22°C, with wind chill close to -45 this morning and round -36 this afternoon—once more, frostbite in minutes territory. Gentle snow continues tonight. The chilly is the hazard even the place skies are sunny: restrict time exterior throughout gasoline stops and preserve uncovered pores and skin lined. If you happen to’re driving, situations can change rapidly in bands of sunshine snow and blowing snow within the west and Far North. All the time test 511on.ca earlier than you go for the newest street situations, closures, and advisories. At the moment is “full winter protection” throughout the area: Insulated coat with a windproof shell, heat base layer, toque, thick mitts, and insulated boots. Use a neck hotter/face protecting—wind chill within the -30 to -45 vary could cause frostbite quick. A sunny sky will be deceptive in Arctic air. With low humidity and brisk wind, your body loses warmth quickly—so “nice weather” can nonetheless be harmful climate when wind chills push into the -30s and -40s.Climate Abstract
Northwestern Ontario climate abstract for Jan. 1, 2026: widespread Arctic chilly with harmful wind chills within the -30s to -40s throughout Thunder Bay, Dryden, Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Ogoki Submit, Sandy Lake and Sachigo Lake. Frostbite danger is excessive; test 511on.ca for street situations.Supply hyperlink
