Current Conditions: Chilled to the Bone
As of 5:00 AM EST, Thunder Bay residents are waking up to clear skies and a frosty -21.8°C at Thunder Bay Airport. Winds from the west-northwest at 22 km/h, with gusts up to 32 km/h, create a biting wind chill of -33°C. Humidity stands at 66%, and the barometric pressure is rising at 102.1 kPa. Visibility is excellent at 24 km, but that won’t make the chill any less noticeable!
Thursday Forecast: Cold Winds Dominate
The day will remain mainly sunny, but brisk winds from the west at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, will keep things feeling frigid. Highs will reach -17°C, with wind chills ranging from -32 in the morning to -26 in the afternoon. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin, so dress warmly if you must head outdoors.
Thursday Night
The winds will ease to 15 km/h under partly cloudy skies, with temperatures dropping to -23°C. Wind chills will settle between -25 and -30, keeping frostbite risks high for the evening and overnight hours.
Weekend Outlook: From Freezing to a Thaw
Friday
Friday offers a mix of sun and cloud, with calmer winds. The high will reach -14°C, with wind chills of -31 in the morning improving to -17 in the afternoon. Clear skies are expected overnight, with lows dipping to -15°C.
Saturday
The weather begins to shift as cloudy skies roll in and temperatures climb to a relatively mild -1°C. Overnight lows will be a manageable -3°C.
Sunday
Sunday’s forecast brings above-freezing temperatures with highs reaching 2°C under cloudy skies. The evening remains cloudy, with a low near -2°C.
Historic High and Low for December 12
Thunder Bay’s warmest December 12 was in 2002, when the mercury climbed to a pleasant 6.0°C. The coldest? A bone-chilling -32.8°C back in 1983. Today’s temperatures fall somewhere in the frosty middle.
Wardrobe Recommendations: Stay Toasty
Dressing for today requires heavy-duty winter gear. Thermal undergarments, insulated outerwear, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots are all essential. Cover exposed skin to avoid frostbite, especially in the morning when wind chills are at their worst.
Safety Tips
- Limit outdoor time for both yourself and your pets.
- Check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
- Drive cautiously and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets and water.
Weather Trivia: Why Is Wind Chill So Dangerous?
Wind chill accelerates heat loss from your body, making it feel colder than the actual air temperature. It’s why frostbite and hypothermia are major risks during windy winter days.
