Colorado Low Charging In — Rain, Snow, and Freezing Rain on the Menu

Fort Frances, Atikokan, and surrounding communities from Kakabeka Falls to Quetico Park are bracing for a wintery wallop as a powerful Colorado low sets its sights on northwestern Ontario. While we may be itching to swap winter boots for sneakers, it looks like Mother Nature’s planning one final snowy encore.

Forecast Details – Rain Turns to Snow, Freezing Rain Possible

Saturday evening is relatively calm, but changes are brewing fast. By Sunday night, expect precipitation to begin as rain. Temperatures will hover near the freezing mark, and as the system deepens Monday morning, a shift to heavy, wet snow is expected. Environment Canada is forecasting total snowfall accumulations between 15 and 25 cm through Monday afternoon.

To make things more interesting (or frustrating), there’s also a risk of freezing rain during the transition from rain to snow. Visibility could drop significantly in heavy snow bursts, especially along Highway 11 and Highway 17 corridors, making travel hazardous.

Current Conditions – A Calm Before the Storm

As of Saturday evening in Fort Frances:

• Temperature: 1°C

• Wind: Light from the east at 9 km/h

• Barometric Pressure: 101.4 kPa and falling

• Humidity: 88%

Expect conditions to stay mild overnight, with the rain-snow mix beginning late Sunday and intensifying early Monday.

Historic Highs and Lows

For April 12th in Fort Frances:

• Record High: 23.0°C (set in 1977) — ah, the dream.

• Record Low: -16.1°C (set in 2003) — let’s hope we don’t flirt with that one again.

H2: Wardrobe Wisdom – Keep Those Winter Layers Handy

While spring may have made a brief cameo, your parka’s not off the hook just yet. Dig out your waterproof boots, insulated coat, and don’t forget gloves — that wet snow can chill fast. If you’re venturing out Monday, especially early, pack extra layers and allow for travel delays.

Looking Ahead

The heaviest snowfall is expected to taper by Monday evening, but lingering flurries could continue into early Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to rebound mid-week, offering hope that this wintry blast is indeed the last.

Weather Trivia: Quetico’s Cold Quirks

Did you know? Quetico Park, part of the forecast area, holds some of Northwestern Ontario’s coldest recorded spring temperatures due to its elevation and remote boreal forest setting. So if snow sticks around longer there — now you know why!