From Thunder Bay to Sandy Lake – Brisk Mornings, Frost Advisories, and a Milder Weekend Ahead

THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – As fall tightens its grip on Northwestern Ontario, communities across the region—from Thunder Bay and Kenora to Sandy Lake and Fort Hope—are waking up to cool, brisk mornings, with frost advisories issued in some areas.

The current pattern features chilly daytime highs, patchy showers, and gusty winds before a welcomed shift toward milder, sunnier conditions over the weekend and into next week.

Environment Canada has issued a Frost Advisory for Kenora, Grassy Narrows, and Whitedog as early morning temperatures flirt with the freezing mark. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to protect sensitive plants and trees from potential damage.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions Across the Region

As of early Thursday morning:

• Thunder Bay: 5°C, mostly cloudy with a high of 13°C expected. West winds picking up to 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h.

• Kenora: 4°C, partly cloudy with a high of 12°C, increasing cloudiness and a 40% chance of showers this afternoon.

• Sandy Lake: 6°C, mostly sunny early with a high of 14°C, clouding over late in the day with a chance of light rain.

• Sioux Lookout / Dryden / Red Lake / Ignace: Generally cloudy with a 40% chance of afternoon showers. Highs range from 11°C to 13°C.

Humidity levels remain high across the region, with winds gradually increasing from the northwest. Pressure readings are falling, signaling unsettled weather for the next 24 to 36 hours.

Tomorrow’s Forecast

Friday, September 5

Friday brings continued unsettled conditions:

• Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout: Overcast skies with a 40% chance of showers and gusty northwest winds up to 50 km/h. Highs around 11°C, lows near 5°C.

• Thunder Bay: Cloudy and breezy with intermittent drizzle or light showers. High of 12°C, low around 6°C.

• Sandy Lake and Fort Hope: Overcast with occasional showers, high of 13°C, low around 9°C.

• Red Lake / Pickle Lake / Lansdowne House: Cloudy and cool with chances of rain, highs around 10–12°C.

Weekend Outlook (September 6–7)

Saturday

• Thunder Bay: A mix of sun and cloud with a 30% chance of showers. High near 15°C, low around 4°C.

• Kenora / Dryden / Red Lake / Sioux Lookout: Partly sunny with isolated showers. Highs around 15–17°C, lows dipping to 2–5°C.

• Sandy Lake / Fort Hope: Brighter skies expected, high of 17°C, low of 5°C.

Sunday

• Thunder Bay, Kenora, Sandy Lake, Pickle Lake: Sunny and dry. A welcome break from clouds and rain. Highs across the region near 16–17°C, lows ranging from 4°C to 10°C.

Wardrobe Recommendations

With the shift to autumn temperatures, here are some tips to stay comfortable:

• Today & Friday: Dress in layers, including a windproof and waterproof jacket. Mornings are near freezing in some areas—gloves and a hat won’t go amiss.

• Saturday: A long-sleeve shirt with a sweater or fleece is ideal during the day. Keep a jacket handy for any lingering rain.

• Sunday: Light outdoor wear will suit the return of the sun, but cooler morning starts will still call for a jacket or hoodie.

Weather Trivia: Did You Know?

Frost in September isn’t unusual across Northwestern Ontario. In fact, Kenora once recorded frost as early as September 2 in 1982. While this year’s advisory is a typical seasonal signal, it’s a crucial reminder for gardeners to start protecting sensitive vegetation before mid-September.