THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Thunder Bay’s birthday lands on a day that rarely encourages patio parties. On January 1, 1970, Port Arthur and Fort William officially amalgamated (along with the geographic townships of Neebing and McIntyre) to form the City of Thunder Bay.

The move was set in motion by The City of the Lakehead Act in 1969, and residents even voted on the new name—“Lakehead,” “The Lakehead,” or “Thunder Bay”—with Thunder Bay winning out.

It’s a significant civic milestone, but it’s also a date that often arrives with a familiar Lakehead tradition: real winter cold.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions (Thunder Bay Airport)

At 8:00 AM EST, Thunder Bay Airport is reporting mostly cloudy skies and a temperature of -21.3°C. A west wind at 22 km/h (gusting to 34 km/h) is pushing the wind chill to -33. Humidity is 58%, visibility is excellent at 24 km, and pressure is 101.5 kPa and falling, hinting at a more changeable pattern later in the forecast.

Today (New Year’s Day)

• Mainly sunny

• Wind becoming west 20 km/h gusting to 40 this morning

• High: -14°C

• Wind chill: about -30 this morning, improving to around -23 this afternoon

• Risk: Frostbite (especially during the morning cold peak)

Tomorrow’s Forecast

Expected Conditions (Next Three Days)

Tonight (Thu night)

• Clear

• Wind up to 15 km/h

• Low: -20°C

• Wind chill: about -29 overnight

• Frostbite risk continues

Friday, January 2

• Sunny

• Wind becoming NW 20 km/h early afternoon

• High: -13°C

• Wind chill: -28 in the morning, near -19 in the afternoon

• Friday night: cloudy periods, low -21°C

Saturday, January 3

• Periods of snow

• High: -13°C

• Saturday night: cloudy, low -18°C

Wardrobe Recommendations

• This morning (wind chill -33): Windproof parka, warm base layer, thick mitts, insulated boots, toque, and a neck warmer/face covering.

• Afternoon: Sunshine helps mood, not temperature—keep the wind-blocking layer.

• Tonight: Clear skies + cold air = quick chill. If you’re outside, keep skin covered and limit time outdoors.

Weather Trivia

Thunder Bay’s “birthday” is a real one: the city officially came into being January 1, 1970, when Port Arthur and Fort William (plus Neebing and McIntyre) joined as one municipality. If it feels like the cold steals the spotlight most years… you’re not imagining it.

Weather Summary

Thunder Bay weather for New Year’s Day 2026: -21°C this morning with wind chill near -33 and frostbite risk. Mainly sunny with a high near -14°C. Plus: Thunder Bay’s birthday history—Port Arthur and Fort William amalgamated on Jan. 1, 1970.