Weekend Whiplash: Snowflakes Replace Sunscreen as Frost Advisories Return
Dryden – Vermilion Bay, ON – Just a few days ago, locals were sweating it out under heat warnings. Now, they’re bundling up and covering their gardens as Frost Advisories are in effect once again this Victoria Day long weekend. It’s a sharp pivot from summer preview to springtime shivers.
Sunday: Snowy Start, Bitter Wind Chill, Then Clearing Skies
As of 5:23 AM CDT this morning, it’s a frosty -1.1°C at Dryden Airport with light snow falling, visibility at 8 km, and a brisk north-northeast wind blowing at 13 km/h. The humidity is at 96%, and the pressure is steady at 102.2 kPa. The wind chill is a bone-chilling -5°C, with temperatures expected to feel like -7°C early this morning.
Frost Advisories are in effect for the Dryden – Vermilion Bay region, with temperatures expected to hover near or below the freezing mark this morning and again tonight. Residents should cover sensitive plants and take precautions to prevent damage to gardens and early crops.
Periods of light snow will taper off by mid-morning, with clearing skies expected. Winds from the northeast at 20 km/h will keep things brisk. The high today will only reach 9°C, and with a low UV index of 2, there’s little incentive to shed those layers just yet.
Tonight: Clear and Cold – Gardeners, Take Note
Clear skies continue into Sunday night, but the temperature will plummet to a frigid -4°C, with overnight wind chills near -8°C. Frost is inevitable, so plant covers and garden tarps are a must.
Monday: A Sunny (and Safer) Victoria Day
Victoria Day Monday will be crisp but much improved. The day will be sunny with light winds and a high of 13°C. However, early risers will feel a wind chill of -7°C in the morning — a reminder that spring hasn’t fully sprung yet. Monday night remains clear and calmer, with a milder low of 2°C.
Tuesday and Wednesday: The Warm-Up Begins
By Tuesday, the region returns to more typical May conditions with sunny skies and a high of 17°C, followed by 19°C on Wednesday. Overnight lows will settle in the 3–4°C range, finally bringing some relief to frost-weary gardens.
Wardrobe & Garden Guidance
It’s all about layers and frost protection. Gloves, coats, and windbreakers are essentials, and green thumbs should keep row covers on hand through tonight. By Tuesday, you can finally put away the winter gear — at least until next week.
Weather Trivia: Did You Know?
Dryden’s record low for May 18 is -4.7°C, recorded in 1966 — so today’s cold isn’t a first, but it’s certainly a rare encore in a week that just featured heat warnings. May in Northwestern Ontario: never boring.
