Northern Ontario Weather Report: Snow, Cold Winds, and Bitter Chills Ahead!

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The light dusting of snow gets airborne in Pikangikum as the North Star Air Basler BT-67 lands.
The light dusting of snow gets airborne in Pikangikum as the North Star Air Basler BT-67 lands.

Winter’s Grip Strengthens Across the Far North

Northern Ontario faces extreme cold and snow through February 2-4, 2025, with wind chills near -40°C. Travel with caution and dress for frostbite risk!

As we step into early February, communities across Northern Ontario, including Marten Falls, Big Trout Lake (KI), Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, Kasabonika, Bearskin Lake, Pikangikum, Attawapiskat, Peawanuck, Summer Beaver, Fort Severn/Wasaho Cree Nation, Neskantaga, Round Lake, and Cat Lake, are experiencing a deep freeze, gusty winds, and periodic snowfalls. While some areas will see brief breaks in the clouds, the overall theme remains bitterly cold with dangerous wind chills.

Here’s your detailed forecasts for February 2, 3, and 4, 2025.


Current Conditions Across the Region (Morning of February 2, 2025)

Most of Northern Ontario is waking up to frigid temperatures ranging from -20°C to -30°C, with even colder wind chills approaching -40°C in some locations.

Light snow is present in Sachigo Lake, Kasabonika, and Big Trout Lake, while other areas like Attawapiskat, Peawanuck, and Fort Severn are dealing with a mix of cloud and biting northwest winds.

The barometric pressure is falling, indicating active weather, while humidity levels hover around 75-85%, meaning the cold air still holds some moisture, leading to persistent flurries and blowing snow.

Winds are mainly from the northwest at 20 to 40 km/h, making already low temperatures feel significantly colder.


Sunday, February 2, 2025: A Frigid and Windy Day

Marten Falls, Big Trout Lake (KI), Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, Kasabonika, Bearskin Lake, Pikangikum

Expect a cloudy day with flurries, accumulating 2 to 4 cm of snow in some areas. Winds will increase from the northwest at 25 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility on open roads and runways.

  • Daytime High: -22°C
  • Morning Wind Chill: -36°C
  • Afternoon Wind Chill: -30°C
  • Tonight: Periods of light snow tapering off, clearing late. Wind chills near -40°C. Low -30°C.

Attawapiskat, Peawanuck, Summer Beaver, Fort Severn/Wasaho Cree Nation, Neskantaga, Round Lake, Cat Lake

Skies will remain partly cloudy with some scattered flurries, especially near Hudson Bay, where lake-effect snow could develop near Fort Severn and Peawanuck. Winds will continue from the northwest at 20 to 40 km/h, leading to dangerous wind chills in the -40°C range.

  • Daytime High: -25°C
  • Morning Wind Chill: -38°C
  • Afternoon Wind Chill: -33°C
  • Tonight: Mainly clear, extreme cold warning possible. Wind chills of -42°C. Overnight low near -32°C.

Monday, February 3, 2025: A Brief Break in the Snow, But Not the Cold

For most communities, Monday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a brief break from significant snowfall. However, strong northwest winds of 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, will keep wind chills dangerously low.

Marten Falls, Big Trout Lake (KI), Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, Kasabonika, Bearskin Lake, Pikangikum

While skies may clear for short periods, the cold remains relentless. Blowing snow could still be an issue, especially in open areas.

  • Daytime High: -24°C
  • Morning Wind Chill: -40°C
  • Afternoon Wind Chill: -34°C
  • Monday Night: Increasing cloud, low of -32°C, wind chills approaching -45°C.

Attawapiskat, Peawanuck, Summer Beaver, Fort Severn/Wasaho Cree Nation, Neskantaga, Round Lake, Cat Lake

Hudson Bay winds will keep temperatures brutally low, with peaks of sunshine but otherwise a bitterly cold day.

  • Daytime High: -26°C
  • Morning Wind Chill: -42°C
  • Afternoon Wind Chill: -37°C
  • Monday Night: Cloudy periods, low of -34°C, wind chills around -46°C.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025: Cloudy and Cold with More Snow on the Horizon

By Tuesday, clouds return in full force, and another round of light snow is possible by the afternoon and evening. Winds will begin shifting slightly to the west at 20 to 30 km/h, but this won’t bring much warmth.

Marten Falls, Big Trout Lake (KI), Sachigo Lake, Sandy Lake, Kasabonika, Bearskin Lake, Pikangikum

More cloud cover with a 60% chance of flurries. Temperatures remain dangerously low.

  • Daytime High: -23°C
  • Morning Wind Chill: -38°C
  • Afternoon Wind Chill: -30°C
  • Tuesday Night: Cloudy with a 40% chance of snow, low of -29°C.

Attawapiskat, Peawanuck, Summer Beaver, Fort Severn/Wasaho Cree Nation, Neskantaga, Round Lake, Cat Lake

Cold and cloudy with possible light snow moving in from the west. Winds shift slightly to the southwest.

  • Daytime High: -24°C
  • Morning Wind Chill: -40°C
  • Afternoon Wind Chill: -34°C
  • Tuesday Night: Cloudy with light snow, low of -30°C.

What to Wear: Extreme Cold Gear is Essential!

Across all regions, wind chills near or below -40°C mean exposed skin can freeze in minutes. If you’re heading outside, make sure to wear:
An insulated parka with a hood
Windproof pants & thermal layers
Thick mittens (gloves won’t cut it!)
A wool hat and a face covering (balaclava or scarf)
Warm, insulated boots with wool socks

Travelers and outdoor workers should watch for frostbite and hypothermia symptoms—even short exposure in these temperatures can be dangerous.


Historical Weather Trivia: Northern Ontario’s Extreme Lows

Did you know that Fort Severn holds one of the coldest February temperatures ever recorded in Ontario? Back in 1979, temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling -48.3°C! So while this week’s -40°C wind chills are rough, history reminds us that it could always be worse!

Stay warm, stay safe, and remember—spring is only 46 days away!

 

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