Current Conditions: Calm Before the Storm

Things are still fairly quiet in Fort Frances as of 4:00 PM CDT Sunday, April 27, 2025. The temperature is sitting at 10.3°C with a humidity level of 85% — not bad for an April afternoon. Winds are coming in from the south at 13 km/h, but the pressure, sitting at 101.5 kPa, is falling, signaling big changes ahead. Although conditions weren’t officially observed at reporting time, you can bet the clouds are gathering their forces!

Historically, Fort Frances has had some wild swings for April 27 — with a record high of 27.7°C and a record low chilling down to -10.8°C. So today’s relatively mild 10°C is a nice calm middle ground… but not for long.

Monday Forecast: Buckle Up for Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms, and a Wintry Twist

Monday, April 28, will start out cloudy, with a 30% chance of showers or drizzle early in the morning. Fog patches will lift as the day goes on, only to make room for a much bigger system. Heavy rain is expected to begin in the morning, with rainfall amounts between 20 to 30 mm through the afternoon. There’s a risk of thunderstorms spicing up the mix, and by afternoon, winds will swing around from the north at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h. Temperatures will rise slightly to a high of 12°C, but with a UV index of just 1, you won’t need the sunscreen — just a boat, maybe.

Monday night will see the rain continue at times heavy before tapering off after midnight, adding another 10 to 20 mm. Just when you think it’s over, the rain could flip to a 40% chance of flurries! Winds will whip from the north at 40 km/h gusting to 60 km/h, and the temperature will dive to -2°C.

Looking Ahead: A Spring Rebound

Tuesday, April 29, promises to dry things out with a mix of sun and cloud and a decent high near 10°C. Tuesday night will stay clear and drop to a low of -1°C.

Wednesday, April 30, brings a genuine taste of spring: a mix of sun and cloud with a 40% chance of showers and a high of 15°C. The evening stays cloudy with the same chance of showers and a low near +4°C.

Wardrobe Tips: From Raincoats to Parkas

Monday will test your wardrobe creativity! Start the day with waterproof gear — rain jackets, rubber boots, and maybe even a quick-dry outfit underneath. Don’t pack up your winter gear just yet though — you’ll want a heavy coat, gloves, and a toque ready for the chilly overnight plunge. By Tuesday afternoon, you might even be able to ditch the jacket… for a few hours anyway.

Weather Trivia: Fort Frances and Wild Weather

Here’s a nugget for the weather buffs: Fort Frances once saw snow in May that piled up faster than a beaver builds a dam. So while Monday night’s flurries might seem weird, in Northwestern Ontario, it’s almost a badge of honour.

Emergency Checklist: Be Ready for Anything

With heavy rain, thunderstorms, and snow all possible in the next 48 hours, here’s a quick checklist to keep you ready:

• Test your sump pump and clear out gutters and drains.

• Charge up your phone, tablets, and portable chargers.

• Pack an emergency kit with bottled water, flashlights, and dry clothes.

• Check your vehicle’s emergency gear — including your snow brush!

• Avoid flooded roadways and drive cautiously — visibility could drop fast.

Stay dry, stay warm, and brace yourself for one of those “only in Northern Ontario” kind of weather days!