From Heat Warning to Frost Alert? Fort Frances Region Braces for Wild Weather Swings
FORT FRANCES – WEATHER REPORT – The Heat Warning continues for Fort Frances, Emo, Atikokan, and Red Gut First Nation today as the region faces one more day of sweltering late-spring heat. Temperatures will soar to a sultry 31°C this afternoon with humidex values hitting 33. But don’t pack away the sweaters just yet—a cold front is ready to swoop in behind the heat, bringing thunderstorms tonight, showers through the weekend, and an icy plunge that could flirt with freezing temperatures by Saturday night.
Heat Warning in Effect Until Tonight, Then Drastic Cooling Begins
As of 5:00 AM CDT, temperatures in Fort Frances sit at a mild 13.7°C, with a humid 73% humidity level and a light south-southeast breeze at 5 km/h. The barometric pressure is at 100.4 kPa and rising—briefly holding steady before today’s brewing instability kicks into gear.
Today’s forecast sees sunny skies this morning turning to a mix of sun and cloud this afternoon, with a 40 percent chance of showers and the risk of a thunderstorm later in the day. Winds will pick up from the southeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h late this afternoon. The high will reach a steamy 31°C, feeling closer to 33°C with the humidex. The UV index will peak at 8—very high—so sun safety remains key even as storm clouds threaten.
Tonight will start partly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and the chance of thunderstorms early in the evening before clearing overnight. Winds will ease after midnight, and the low will dip to a still-warm 16°C.
Thursday will begin sunny, but the clouds will return quickly with a 40 percent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Southeast winds will return at 20 km/h by late afternoon. Temperatures will be slightly cooler with a high of 27°C, feeling like 30°C with the humidex. Thursday night will bring widespread showers and a low of 11°C.
Friday brings a noticeable change as the high barely reaches 16°C under a mix of sun and cloud with a 60 percent chance of showers, lingering into the night with a low of 7°C.
Saturday will struggle to hit double digits, with a high of only 10°C under cloudy skies and a 40 percent chance of showers. By Saturday night, the temperature will flirt with the freezing mark, dropping to zero—potentially bringing a frost risk.
Sunday will offer some relief with a mix of sun and cloud, a 40 percent chance of showers, and a high of 12°C. The night will stay chilly with a low of 2°C.
From Shorts to Scarves in 72 Hours
Today is your last true heat day—stay hydrated, wear light, loose clothing, and watch for sudden thunderstorms later this afternoon. By Friday, the rain gear will be back in play, and by Saturday night, frost warnings could very well make an appearance. Prairie-style weather whiplash at its finest.
Fort Frances Weather Trivia
Did you know? The Fort Frances area has seen frost events in May immediately following heat warnings in the past. This isn’t rare for the Rainy River District, where clashing Arctic and Gulf air masses can create these extreme spring weather swings.
Fort Frances’ May 14 Weather Records
Fort Frances’ record high for this day is 32.4°C, while the record low is -1.7°C. Today’s 31°C is approaching the upper threshold—but by Saturday night’s potential zero degrees, residents will get to experience both ends of the spring spectrum within four days.
