Thunder Bay – WEATHER DESK – Thunder Bay is ringing in New Year’s Eve under Arctic air—cold, gusty, and dry enough for big wind chills even when skies clear. Light snow is around early this morning, but the better visibility and sunshine return this afternoon.

The trade-off: tonight turns clear and sharply colder, with wind chills plunging toward -32 and a risk of frostbite.

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

As of 7:00 AM EST at Thunder Bay Airport, it’s light snow and -15°C. A northwest wind at 25 km/h (gusting 36) is driving the wind chill to -25. Humidity is 66%, visibility is excellent at 24 km, and pressure is 101.3 kPa and rising, supporting the trend toward clearer skies later today.

Today (Wednesday)

• Morning: Mix of sun and cloud with a 40% chance of flurries

• Afternoon: Becoming sunny

• Wind: NW 30 km/h gusting 50

• High: -14°C

• Wind chill: about -22 this morning, falling closer to -27 this afternoon

Tomorrow’s Forecast

Expected Conditions (Next Three Days)

Tonight (New Year’s Eve night)

• Clear, with NW wind 30 km/h gusting 50 becoming light after midnight

• Low: -22°C

• Wind chill: near -32 overnight

• Hazard: Frostbite risk if you’re outside for midnight celebrations

Thursday, January 1 (New Year’s Day)

• Sunny

• Wind west 20 km/h

• High: -14°C

• Wind chill: -32 in the morning, near -22 in the afternoon

• Frostbite risk continues early day

Thursday Night

• Cloudy periods with 30% chance of snow

• Low: -21°C

Friday, January 2

• Sunny, high -14°C

• Night: clear, low -20°C

Wardrobe Recommendations

• Today: Wind-blocking winter coat, warm mid-layer, toque, thick mitts, and a neck warmer. The wind will do most of the “damage” even when the sun returns.

• Tonight/New Year’s outdoor plans: Cover exposed skin (balaclava/face covering helps). Limit time outside and plan warm-up breaks indoors.

• Driving: Keep extra gloves, blanket, and a phone charger—cold becomes a safety issue fast if you’re delayed.

Weather Trivia

Clear skies in winter often mean better radiational cooling at night—heat escapes quickly after sunset, so even after a sunny afternoon, temperatures can drop fast and wind chill can become the main hazard.

Last Words on Today’s Weather

Thunder Bay weather forecast for Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025: flurries this morning then sunny this afternoon with gusty NW winds. Clear tonight with lows near -22°C and wind chill near -32 with frostbite risk. Sunny but bitter New Year’s Day.