THUNDER BAY – WEATHER Focus – A winter system is sliding across Northwestern Ontario today, bringing fresh snow from Dryden and Kenora through to Thunder Bay.

The bigger story after the snowfall is the risk of freezing drizzle tonight into Monday, which can leave a thin, hard-to-see glaze on untreated roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.

Temperatures also trend milder Monday, which can add to “slick” conditions as snow compacts and refreezes.

Today’s Weather Overview

Kenora & Lake of the Woods Region

• Morning: Light snow with -16°C and wind chill near -25

• Today: Snow underway early with 5–10 cm expected. High near -11°C.

• Tonight: Periods of snow taper late, then 60% chance of light snow with risk of freezing drizzle.

Dryden & Vermilion Bay

• Morning: Partly cloudy near -21°C with wind chill near -25

• Today: Snow begins this morning with 5–10 cm expected. High near -12°C.

• Tonight: Snow continues with risk of freezing drizzle overnight.

Thunder Bay

• Morning: Mostly cloudy near -22°C (wind chill near -25)

• Today: Brighter early, then cloud increases and snow begins this afternoon (about 2 cm). High near -10°C.

• Tonight: Snow continues with about 5 cm, with risk of freezing drizzle overnight.

Tomorrow’s Forecast

Expected Conditions Over the Next Three Days

Monday, January 5

• Kenora: Cloudy with 40% chance of light snow and risk of freezing drizzle, high -6°C

• Dryden/Vermilion Bay: Cloudy with 40% chance of light snow and risk of freezing drizzle, high -6°C

• Thunder Bay: Cloudy with 40% chance of light snow and risk of freezing drizzle, high -4°C

Tuesday, January 6

• Kenora: Mix of sun and cloud, high -5°C

• Dryden/Vermilion Bay: Cloudy with 40% chance of flurries, high -6°C

• Thunder Bay: Cloudy, high -2°C

Wednesday, January 7

A slightly milder trend continues, with highs edging closer to -3 to -1°C in some areas and a mix of cloud/sun.

Wardrobe Recommendations

• Today (snowfall): Warm winter coat, toque, mitts, and boots with solid tread. Bring a scarf/neck warmer for the morning wind chills.

• Tonight into Monday (freezing drizzle risk): Traction matters—consider ice cleats if you’ll be walking a lot. Watch steps, driveways, and parking lots for glare ice.

• Driving: Keep a scraper, winter washer fluid, and extra gloves handy—wet snow and drizzle can dirty windshields fast.

Weather Trivia

Freezing drizzle happens when tiny cloud droplets stay liquid below 0°C (supercooled). They freeze on contact with roads and railings, creating a thin glaze that’s often harder to see than regular ice.

Weather Focus

Northwestern Ontario weather for Jan. 4, 2026: snow returns to Kenora, Dryden–Vermilion Bay and Thunder Bay with 2–10 cm expected depending on location. Snow continues tonight with a risk of freezing drizzle and slippery travel into Monday as temperatures moderate.