NetNewsLedger Weather Desk – Sioux Lookout / Eastern Lac Seul

THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Grab your mitts, toques, and snow shovel! A winter storm is lining up to hit Sioux Lookout and Eastern Lac Seul, and it is going to be a classic Northwestern Ontario snow-and-wind special.

Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Winter Storm Warning, with a risk of heavy snowfall, blowing snow, and rapidly worsening travel conditions from tonight through Thursday.

As of 5:00 AM CST, conditions at Sioux Lookout Airport show winter already setting the stage. It is –14.5°C with light snow and a west-southwest wind near 9 km/h, making it feel closer to –20°C with the wind chill.

The humidity is at 76 percent, the dew point is –17.8°C, and visibility is a solid 24 kilometres despite the light snow. The barometric pressure is 100.9 kPa and rising, a hint that the atmosphere is reorganizing ahead of the main low pressure system that will arrive later today.

Winter Storm on the Way: 20–35 cm of Snow and Blowing Snow

Environment Canada rates this storm with a Moderate Impact Level and High Forecast Confidence. A strong low pressure system will move into Northwestern Ontario, and Sioux Lookout sits in a band where 20 to 35 centimetres of snow is expected, with the potential for locally higher amounts above 35 centimetres if the storm track lines up just right.

Snow at times heavy will begin this evening and continue into Thursday. As the system deepens, strong northerly to northeasterly winds will develop later tonight and into Thursday morning. Those winds will lift and drift the fresh snow, creating areas of blowing snow and near-zero visibility, especially on open stretches of road and along the approaches to town.

There is still some uncertainty in the exact track of the low, which will decide exactly where the heaviest snow band sets up. But Sioux Lookout and Eastern Lac Seul are well within the corridor where significant accumulation is expected, and conditions are likely to deteriorate quickly once the heavier snow and stronger winds arrive.

Today: Cloudy, Light Snow Building In

For today (Wednesday), the forecast calls for a mainly cloudy sky with snow beginning in the morning and ending this afternoon, followed by a 40 percent chance of flurries late in the day. Local daytime accumulation is expected to be around 2 centimetres, just enough to freshen up the snowpack before the main event.

Winds will shift from southwest near 20 km/h to east 20 km/h early this afternoon, drawing in moisture and setting up the heavier snow for later. The high will be near –9°C, but the wind chill will be close to –29°C in the morning and around –16°C in the afternoon, so exposed skin will feel that bright mid-winter sting. The risk of frostbite is real, especially early, and anyone outdoors for extended periods should be well covered.

Tonight and Thursday: Heaviest Snow, Strong Winds, and Blowing Snow

Tonight, the winter storm really begins to flex. Snow at times heavy is expected, and as the evening goes on, local blowing snow will develop as winds strengthen. Forecast totals for tonight alone are in the 10 to 20 centimetre range, enough to significantly cover roads, driveways and walkways.

Winds will increase from the northeast to around 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, pushing snow around and lowering visibility. The temperature will drop to about –10°C, with a wind chill close to –18°C. That combination of heavy snow, gusty winds and wind chill will make late-night and early-morning travel challenging, if not downright unpleasant.

On Thursday, the storm continues with snow at times heavy and local blowing snow. Another 10 to 15 centimetres of snow is expected, on top of what falls overnight. Winds will crank up further from the northeast at 40 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, driving snow across roadways and creating drifts and whiteouts in exposed areas.

The temperature will fall through the day, dropping to around –21°C in the afternoon, while the wind chill sits near –18°C in the morning and plunges to about –33°C by afternoon. At those wind chills, frostbite can develop quickly, particularly for anyone stranded or working outside in the open.

By Thursday night, conditions gradually improve, but the cold really takes over. There will be cloudy periods with a 40 percent chance of lingering snow, and the low will drop to around –29°C. That deep, sharp cold over fresh snow will lock in the wintry feel long after the last flakes have drifted down.

End of the Week: Staying Cold and Snowy

Friday brings a break from the worst of the storm, but winter is not done yet. Expect a mix of sun and cloud with a 30 percent chance of snow and a high near –16°C, with wind chills likely staying in the minus twenties for much of the day.

Friday night, snow returns with a low near –21°C, and Saturday continues the theme with snow and a high around –14°C. Saturday night features cloudy periods with a 40 percent chance of flurries and a low near –26°C.

Sunday offers a 30 percent chance of flurries with a high near –18°C, then skies clear Sunday night with a low around –24°C. Monday looks brighter, with sunny conditions and a high near –12°C, before another chance of snow returns Monday night. Tuesday brings a mix of sun and cloud and a high near –16°C, which might feel almost mild by comparison after the deep cold of Thursday night.

Travel and Safety Around Sioux Lookout and Lac Seul

With 20 to 35 centimetres of snow, strong northeasterly winds, and a wind chill sinking into the –30s, travel will be a serious challenge at times in and around Sioux Lookout. Roads are expected to become snow-covered, drifted, and icy, and visibility will sometimes drop suddenly to near zero in heavy and blowing snow.

Residents should be prepared for slippery sidewalks and steps, difficult driveway clearing, and the possibility of road closures or delays, especially on more exposed routes. This storm may also cause disruptions to transportation, services, and utilities, so planning ahead is wise.

If you can, consider rescheduling non-essential travel during the peak of the storm from tonight through Thursday evening. If you must be on the road, ensure your vehicle has winter tires, carry an emergency kit, keep your fuel tank topped up, and let someone know your planned route and arrival time.

What to Wear in Sioux Lookout

This is a week for serious winter layering. Start with a thermal base layer on your upper and lower body. Add a mid-layer such as a fleece or wool sweater, and then a windproof, insulated parka that can handle both heavy snow and biting wind.

For your lower half, snow pants or insulated pants will make walking, shovelling, or snowblowing far more comfortable, especially when wind chills drop past –30°C. On your feet, choose insulated winter boots with strong tread, paired with warm, moisture-wicking socks.

Finish the setup with a toque, neck warmer, and insulated mitts or gloves. In blowing snow, goggles or good sunglasses can help protect your eyes from wind and drifting snow crystals.

Sioux Lookout Weather Trivia – Storm Track Sweet Spot

Sioux Lookout often sits near the “sweet spot” of Prairie-born and Colorado-type low pressure systems sliding across Northern Ontario. When those systems hook into cold Arctic air to the north and tap moisture from the south and west, the result can be exactly what we are seeing now: long-duration snow events with big totals, strong winds and deep cold on the back side of the storm.

For residents and travellers, that means one simple rule: when the forecast says “snow at times heavy and blowing snow,” it is wise to take it seriously and plan ahead.

Last Word on the Weather:
Sioux Lookout and Eastern Lac Seul face 20–35 cm of snow, strong NE winds, blowing snow and wind chills near –33°C from tonight through Thursday night.