Thunder Bay – Weather Desk – Dryden and Vermilion Bay are closing out 2025 in deep cold, with a brief burst of light snow early giving way to clearing skies. The trade-off is sharper cold overnight: wind chills dip into the mid -30s, bringing a risk of frostbite for anyone outside for more than a few minutes.

Remember when it is cold for you, it is also cold for your pets. Your Husky might love it, hopefully not to the point your neighbours think you are trying to freeze your dog. but cats, dogs and livestock need special attention when it gets winter cold out.

In extreme cold and wind chill, the safest choice for dogs and cats is indoors. Keep walks short and purposeful (potty break only), and choose sheltered routes out of the wind. Watch closely for signs they’re getting too cold: shivering, lifting paws, refusing to walk, whining, hunching, or trying to turn back.

Wipe off snow and ice when you come inside, especially between toes, and check paws for cracks—ice and road salt can burn. If you use booties, make sure they fit well; if not, paw balm can help. Cats should not be left to roam in this weather—provide a warm, quiet indoor spot away from drafts.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions (Dryden Airport, 5:00 AM CST)

• Light snow

• Temperature: -17.5°C (about -18°C)

• Wind: NW 11 km/h

• Wind chill: -25

• Humidity: 79%

• Visibility: 16 km

• Pressure: 101.8 kPa

Today (Wednesday, Dec. 31)

• Mainly cloudy early with a 40% chance of flurries, then clearing this morning

• Wind: North 20 km/h gusting to 40

• High: -18°C

• Wind chill: -33 this morning, near -26 this afternoon

• Main hazard: Frostbite risk (especially early morning)

Tomorrow’s Forecast

Expected Conditions (Next Three Days)

Tonight (New Year’s Eve night)

• Clear

• Wind up to 15 km/h

• Low: -25°C

• Wind chill: -27 this evening, near -34 overnight

• Risk: Frostbite

Thursday, January 1 (New Year’s Day)

• Sunny

• Wind up to 15 km/h

• High: -18°C

• Wind chill: -34 in the morning, near -25 in the afternoon

• Risk: Frostbite remains possible in the morning

Thursday Night

• Cloudy periods with a 30% chance of snow

• Low: -23°C

Friday, January 2

• Sunny, high -17°C

• Night: cloudy periods, low -23°C

Wardrobe Recommendations

• Morning commute / errands today: Full winter gear and wind protection—face covering helps a lot with gusts.

• Tonight (wind chill ~-34): Cover all exposed skin (balaclava/neck warmer + toque). Mitts > gloves.

• If travelling outside town: Pack extra gloves, blanket, and a phone charger—cold becomes a safety issue quickly if delayed.

Weather Trivia

Clear skies can make nights colder because heat escapes more easily after sunset. That’s why it can feel “calm” outside but still plunge to dangerous wind chills overnight.

Weather in three sentences

Dryden & Vermilion Bay weather for Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025: light snow early then clearing. Extreme cold continues with wind chill near -33 this morning and near -34 overnight with frostbite risk. Sunny but bitter New Year’s Day.

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