NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO & MANITOBA – Spring is doing its best to make up for lost time today, offering sunny skies and warming temperatures across much of northwestern Ontario and parts of Manitoba. But if you’re hitting the highways, don’t let the sunshine fool you — there’s a wild mix of conditions ahead by the time Sunday and Monday roll around!

As of this morning, Winnipeg kicks off at a chilly 0°C under clear skies but is set to soar to a toasty 20°C with gusty south winds hitting up to 50 km/h. Similarly, in Thunder Bay, it’s a sunny start at -1°C, warming up to 15°C with light winds. Sioux Lookout, Kenora, and Dryden are all basking under clear skies too, with temperatures set to climb into the mid-to-high teens by this afternoon.

Geraldton, Greenstone, Sault Ste. Marie, and even the Sudbury region are all enjoying brighter conditions today, though Sudbury is still mopping up from heavy rains and snowmelt with localized flooding risks due to a recent Rainfall Warning. If you’re planning to travel near Sudbury, be extra cautious around low-lying areas, rivers, and creeks. Flood watches remain in effect, and possible road washouts could slow down your trip.

Environment Canada’s sunny forecast across most of the region today is a real treat for travelers, but it’s not sticking around for long. By Sunday afternoon, cloud cover will increase dramatically across most regions — Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, and Thunder Bay are all expecting 40% chances of showers and gusty winds up to 40 km/h. Travel Sunday afternoon could involve wet roads and reduced visibility during sudden showers.

Heading into Monday, the situation turns more challenging:

• Periods of rain are expected in Thunder Bay, Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Dryden, and Winnipeg, meaning potentially slick highways.

• Strong winds will add a layer of difficulty for highway driving, especially on open stretches like the Trans-Canada Highway.

• Temperature drops Monday night will bring a risk of rain turning to snow across parts of northwestern Ontario (Dryden, Sioux Lookout, and Thunder Bay in particular).

• Expect icy patches Monday night into Tuesday morning, especially on less-traveled highways and secondary roads.

According to 511ON.ca reports early this morning, highway conditions across northwestern Ontario are generally bare and dry — ideal for a weekend road trip today. However, with incoming showers and a potential snow switch Monday night, highways could become slippery, especially in areas prone to early freezing such as higher elevations near Geraldton and Dryden.

Highway Travel Highlights to Keep in Mind:

• Highway 17 (Trans-Canada) from Thunder Bay through Kenora is clear now, but expect wet and windy conditions developing Sunday afternoon and into Monday.

• Highway 11 near Geraldton and Hearst could experience brief heavy showers Sunday and a possible return of flurries by Tuesday morning.

• Highway 69 and Highway 144 near Sudbury remain areas of concern for localized flooding today — proceed carefully and watch for road crews and any possible detours.

• Highway 17 through Sault Ste. Marie is clear but watch for gusty winds this afternoon.

For anyone traveling tonight into Sunday, pack for rapid changes: sunglasses, rain jackets, warm layers, and maybe even winter gloves for Monday night and Tuesday morning!

Travel Tip Sheet: Sunday, April 27 & Monday, April 28, 2025

Where and When Road Conditions May Get Dicey Across Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Morning:

• Best travel window! Roads across Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Geraldton, and Sault Ste. Marie will start the day in good shape — dry highways and just increasing cloud cover.

• Winds will be manageable early but will pick up to 20–40 km/h by midday.

Afternoon:

• Trouble spots begin:

  • Winnipeg, Kenora, Dryden, Thunder Bay — expect a 40% chance of scattered showers by mid-to-late afternoon.

  • Wet pavement, reduced visibility during showers, and gusty winds (especially across open stretches like Highway 17 and Highway 11) could make for trickier driving.

  • Winds will gust up to 40 km/h — secure that roof rack!

Night:

• 60% chance of rain showers continues in Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, and Thunder Bay.

• Roads will become slick; hydroplaning risk increases slightly with pooling water in low spots.

• Still mild, so no freezing expected Sunday night.

Monday, April 28, 2025

Morning:

• Periods of rain expected along major routes:

  • Highways 17, 11, and 1 (Trans-Canada) around Kenora, Dryden, Thunder Bay, and Winnipeg.

• Windy conditions will make for tricky driving for high-profile vehicles like transport trucks and RVs.

• Rain will lower visibility, especially around lakes and river crossings.

Afternoon:

• Rain continues, with temperatures slowly falling through the day in northwestern Ontario.

• By late afternoon, areas around Dryden, Sioux Lookout, and Thunder Bay could see temperatures dropping toward freezing.

Evening into Night:

• Hazardous driving likely:

  • Rain will transition to wet snow or ice pellets Monday evening into Monday night in places like Dryden, Sioux Lookout, and Thunder Bay.

  • Icy patches expected after dark as temperatures plunge to -5°C in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas.

  • Be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses — the first places to freeze!

Winnipeg:

• Rain will end and skies clear Monday night — but temperatures drop sharply to -5°C, with possible black ice forming early Tuesday morning.

Quick Regional Driving Tips:

✅ Best Travel Times:

• Sunday morning until noon for most areas.

⚠️ Use Caution:

• Sunday afternoon and night — showers and wet roads.

• Monday afternoon into evening — slick, icy conditions in northwestern Ontario.

🚫 Avoid, if possible:

• Late Monday night through early Tuesday morning — due to freezing conditions and risk of black ice, especially in higher elevation areas around Dryden and Geraldton.

Final Travel Tip:

If you’re road-tripping through northwestern Ontario into Monday night, pack warm emergency gear, water, snacks, and fully charge your phone — just in case spring decides to throw a little more winter at you!

Travellers’ Weather Trivia:

Did you know? The Trans-Canada Highway, running from Sudbury through Thunder Bay and beyond, is the longest continuous highway in the world — and one of the most weather-challenging during Ontario’s wild spring season!