From Showers and Wind to Snowflakes – Then Finally, a Sunny Holiday Monday
Thunder Bay, ON – The weather forecast for the Lakehead this Victoria Day weekend is a classic tale of spring’s indecision. From soggy showers and brisk winds to a surprise appearance by flurries, the city will have to wait until Monday for some classic Victoria Day sunshine.
Saturday: Showers, Gusty Winds, and an Afternoon Temperature Tumble
As of 7:00 AM this Saturday, Thunder Bay is starting the day at 7.6°C under partly cloudy skies at Thunder Bay Airport. The humidity is sitting at a swampy 97%, with a light west-northwest breeze at 9 km/h. The barometric pressure is on the rise at 99.6 kPa, but the day is anything but settled.
Today will quickly turn cloudy with a 60 percent chance of showers. Winds will shift to the north at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, adding a bite to the air. Though the mercury will flirt with 15°C this morning, temperatures will tumble to just 7°C by the afternoon. The UV index is 5 or moderate, so if you’re dodging the raindrops, don’t forget the sunscreen in case of sun breaks.
Tonight, expect cloudy skies with a 40 percent chance of rain showers changing to a 30 percent chance of flurries after midnight as the temperatures drop to a chilly 3°C. North winds will continue at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, ensuring that spring stays on the back foot.
Sunday: From Flurries to Clearing Skies, But Still Cold
Sunday will start with a stubborn 30 percent chance of flurries in the morning and early afternoon. The winds will finally start to calm in the afternoon, becoming light. However, the high will only reach a chilly 6°C. The UV index is expected to be 4, which is still moderate despite the cold air.
Sunday night will finally clear out, but temperatures will dip below freezing to -1°C.
Victoria Day Monday: Sunshine Returns Just in Time
Thunder Bay’s Victoria Day forecast is shaping up beautifully, with sunny skies and a high of 13°C – a true return to form for spring celebrations. Monday night will remain clear with a low of zero, perfect for some late-night fireworks viewing.
Historic Weather Tidbits
Historically, Thunder Bay can swing to the extremes in May. The record high for May 17 is a balmy 30.2°C set in 1977, while the record low sits at -3.8°C from 1966. This weekend will flirt more with the cold side, though at least the snowflakes should be light and short-lived.
Wardrobe Wisdom
Today and Sunday call for waterproof jackets, toques, and gloves (yes, it’s May, but they’ll come in handy). For Monday, finally break out those spring jackets, sneakers, and sunglasses as the weather will play nice for any outdoor events.
Road and Boating Safety Reminders
With fluctuating temperatures, gusty winds, and periods of rain and flurries, roads and highways may become slick, especially overnight into Sunday morning. Drivers are urged to check 511ON.ca for real-time road conditions and delays.
Also, a vital reminder for the long weekend: Do not drink and drive, or consume cannabis and drive or boat. Let’s keep our roads and waterways safe for all to enjoy this holiday weekend.
Weather Trivia: Did You Know?
Thunder Bay holds the quirky record for Ontario’s latest recorded May flurry, with snowflakes falling on May 30th in 1954. This weekend’s flurries might not break that record, but they’ll certainly make it a chilly campfire night.
