Foggy Start, Sunny Turnaround: Thunder Bay’s Weather Shifts Gears this Easter

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The Glenada hard at work in the Port of Thunder Bay - Photo by Michael Hull
The Glenada hard at work in the Port of Thunder Bay - Photo by Michael Hull

From Freezing Fog to Sunshine—April’s Mood Swings Continue

Thunder Bay, ON – Mother Nature is keeping things interesting this Easter Sunday. As of 7:06 AM EDT, Thunder Bay is shrouded in freezing fog, with the temperature sitting at a chilly -3.9°C and 100% humidity giving the air that heavy, damp feel. Visibility is limited to just 0.8 km, so if you’re heading out early—keep the headlights on and the speed down. Winds are calm from the NNW at 4 km/h, and the wind chill has it feeling closer to -6°C. Barometric pressure is at a healthy 103.0 kPa and rising, setting the stage for a weather shift later in the day.

Today’s Forecast: Fog Fades, Sunshine Emerges

Once the fog patches clear out this morning (and they will clear, eventually), the sun will make a grand entrance. Skies will turn sunny by mid-morning, with southeast winds picking up to 20 km/h this afternoon. Temperatures will climb to a mild high of 9°C—not quite “patio weather,” but certainly a step up from where we started.

The UV index today is 5, which means it’s moderate. So even though it feels cool, the sun still packs a punch. If you’re planning to be outside—whether strolling the waterfront or hunting Easter eggs—don’t skip the sunscreen.

Tonight: Cloudy Shift and a Chance of Snow (Yes, Snow)

Just when you thought we were in the clear, clouds will move back in tonight, bringing with them a mix of snow or rain before morning. Winds will shift to the northeast at 20 km/h, and the temperature will bottom out just above freezing at 1°C.

Monday: From Rain to Snow—April’s Trickery in Action

Monday brings precipitation throughout the day, with periods of snow or rain expected. Local snowfall could reach up to 5 cm—so if you thought the snow shovel was officially retired, you may need one last cameo appearance. Winds will blow from the north at 20 km/h, gusting up to 40, and the high will barely scratch the surface at 2°C. The UV index dips to 2—low, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel the chill.

Monday night remains cloudy with a low of zero.

Midweek Outlook: A Mix of Sun, Showers, and Some Hope

Tuesday offers a bit of a breather with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 7°C. Showers are a possibility Tuesday night (40% chance), with a low of 1°C.

Wednesday remains cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and a high of 9°C. The evening cools to zero with a 30% chance of light showers or flurries—because April just can’t make up its mind.

Thursday looks more cooperative, with a mix of sun and cloud and a pleasant high of 11°C. The night stays dry with cloudy periods and a low of zero.

Historic Weather Snapshot

On this day in Thunder Bay’s history, the warmest April 20 hit 21.7°C in 1987—proof that spring can indeed deliver. The coldest, though, was a crisp -12.8°C back in 1966. So while today’s highs may not be record-breaking, we’re well within the rollercoaster that is classic Northwestern Ontario spring weather.

Wardrobe Wisdom

Morning: Bundle up! Gloves, scarf, and a windproof coat for fog and frost.
Afternoon: A lighter jacket will do once the sun breaks through.
Evening: Waterproof outerwear is your best friend tonight as snow and rain return.

Weather Trivia: Fog, Thunder Bay Style

Did you know? Thunder Bay is no stranger to fog—especially in spring. Thanks to cold lake air meeting warming ground surfaces, freezing fog can roll in seemingly out of nowhere. It’s a top reason why the region sees so many dramatic morning-to-afternoon turnarounds.

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