Lake of the Woods Region Begins May with Clouds and Ends It in Sunshine
Thursday, May 1, 2025 – Cloudy Skies and Thunderstorm Teases
Kenora and the surrounding Lake of the Woods region are waking up under mostly cloudy skies with a mild temperature of 5.0°C as of 5:00 AM, according to observations from Kenora Airport. The dew point is nearly identical at 4.6°C, and the humidity is holding strong at 97%, making the air feel damp and heavy—ideal conditions for lingering fog, which is expected to dissipate later this morning. Visibility is strong at 32 kilometers, and the wind is coming in from the east-northeast at 14 km/h.
The barometric pressure sits at 101.2 kPa and is steady, offering a hint of short-term stability. But don’t get too comfy—there’s a 40 percent chance of showers this morning and a risk of a thunderstorm lurking in the wings. Winds will increase to 20 km/h from the northeast as the day unfolds, and the temperature is expected to peak at 10°C. The UV index will reach 4, considered moderate, so keep that in mind if the sun makes an appearance between cloud breaks.
Tonight: Clouds Hold Steady, but It’s Cooling Off
As evening settles in, the skies remain overcast, but winds will calm after midnight, shifting from 20 km/h to light and variable. Temperatures will dip to -1°C overnight, so those tender garden seedlings will need to stay indoors or be covered to avoid frostbite.
The Sun Returns Friday and All Weekend Long
Friday, May 2, kicks off a true taste of spring with mainly sunny skies and a high of 11°C. The UV index climbs slightly to 5, which is still moderate but suggests that sunglasses and sunscreen should make a comeback in your wardrobe rotation. Friday night will be clear with a low of +1°C.
Then the weekend says, “Let there be sunshine!” Saturday brings full sun and a high of 19°C—ideal weather for everything from lakeside strolls to yard work that finally doesn’t involve snow shovels. Saturday night remains clear with a low of 9°C, and Sunday keeps the sunny streak going with a high of 21°C. That’s patio weather if we’ve ever seen it.
Kenora’s Weather Memory Lane
On this day in history, Kenora has seen dramatic swings in spring temperatures. The warmest May 1 recorded in the area was 26.1°C in 1952, while the coldest dropped to a frigid -10.6°C in 1967. Today’s numbers are fairly moderate in comparison, a gentle reminder that spring in Northwestern Ontario tends to keep us guessing.
What to Wear?
A light waterproof jacket will serve you well today with the chance of morning showers and cool temperatures. Layers are key, especially with a chilly low tonight. But by the weekend, you’ll want to trade that coat for a T-shirt and maybe even some early-season sandals.
Weather Trivia: Storms from the South
Did you know that spring thunderstorms in the Lake of the Woods region often track in from Minnesota? That’s right—some of Kenora’s rumbles are courtesy of our neighbours to the south, thanks to regional weather convergence over the lakes.
