Thunder Bay – WEATHER – Kenora, Grassy Narrows, Whitedog First Nation, and the Lake of the Woods region are closing out 2025 in deep cold. Light snow is around early, but the bigger story is the wind chill—near -33 this morning and again overnight, with a risk of frostbite.

New Year’s Day looks brighter with sunshine, but the cold doesn’t let up.

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. Keep in mind that cats might be under the hood of your vehicle keeping warm with the block heater. Hit the horn lightly before you start your car!

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions (Kenora Airport)

At 5:00 AM CST, Kenora Airport reports:

• Light snow

• Temperature: -17.8°C (about -18°C)

• Wind: NNW 26 km/h

• Wind chill: -29

• Humidity: 84%

• Visibility: 16 km

• Pressure: 102.0 kPa and rising

Today (Wednesday, Dec. 31)

• Mix of sun and cloud

• 40% chance of flurries early this morning

• Wind: NW 20 km/h

• High: -18°C

• Wind chill: about -33 this morning, near -25 this afternoon

• Main hazard: Frostbite risk, especially during the morning wind chill peak

Tomorrow’s Forecast

Expected Conditions (Next Three Days)

Tonight (New Year’s Eve Night)

• Clear, becoming partly cloudy near midnight

• Wind: NW 20 km/h becoming light late evening

• Low: -25°C

• Wind chill: about -26 this evening, near -33 overnight

• Risk: Frostbite

If you’re outside for midnight celebrations: dress for dangerous wind chill—exposed skin can go numb quickly.

Thursday, January 1 (New Year’s Day)

• Mainly sunny

• Wind up to 15 km/h

• High: -17°C

• Wind chill: about -31 in the morning, near -24 in the afternoon

• Risk: Frostbite still possible in the morning

Thursday Night

• Cloudy periods with 30% chance of snow

• Low: -23°C

Friday, January 2

• Sunny

• High: -16°C

• Night: cloudy periods, -20°C

Wardrobe Recommendations

• Today & tonight: Full winter setup—insulated coat with wind-blocking shell, warm base layer, toque, thick mitts, scarf/neck warmer, and insulated boots.

• New Year’s Eve outdoors: Add a face covering and consider hand warmers. Keep moving and take warm-up breaks indoors if possible.

• Driving between communities: Carry extra gloves, a blanket, and a phone charger/power bank—cold becomes a safety issue fast if you’re delayed.

Weather Trivia

On very cold nights with lighter winds, skies can look “clear and calm,” but that often means stronger radiational cooling—temperatures drop quickly after sunset, which is why wind chills can plunge again overnight even if the daytime feels a little more manageable.

Weather Summary

Kenora & Lake of the Woods weather for Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025: light snow early then a mix of sun and cloud with extreme wind chills near -33 this morning and overnight. Frostbite risk continues into New Year’s Day despite mainly sunny skies.