Thunder Bay – Weather – Thunder Bay’s January “weather roller coaster” continues. After melting yesterday, temperatures have plunged, and that meltwater has refrozen into sheets of ice, creating difficult walking conditions on many sidewalks today.

The sidewalks on May Street North by the CLE had meltwater and slush mixed together, and as a result are going to be very difficult to walk. Poor sidewalk clearing in the city continues to frustrate pedestrians.

For drivers, be aware many people, especially people with mobility issues have been forced onto the roadways. Be kind, and considerate.

That clear start to the day comes with a sting: strong winds and dangerous wind chills will keep the cold front-and-centre, before snow returns Thursday afternoon.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions (7:00 AM EST — Thunder Bay Airport)

• Temperature: -18.8°C (Weather Focus: -19°C)

• Condition: Mainly Clear

• Wind: WNW 11 km/h

• Wind Chill: -26

• Humidity: 57%

• Pressure: 102.1 kPa and rising

• Visibility: 24 km

What it feels like outside

Clear skies and decent visibility make it look calm, but it’s bitterly cold—and the big issue for pedestrians is ice. Anywhere that was wet or slushy yesterday is likely glassy and slick now, especially shaded sidewalks, parking lots, and building entrances.

Today (Wednesday, Jan 14)

• Sunny, becoming a mix of sun and cloud this morning

• Wind north 40 km/h gusting to 70, becoming NW 20 gusting to 40 early this afternoon

• High: -11°C

• Wind chill -29 this morning, improving to about -19 this afternoon

• Risk of frostbite

• UV index: 1 (low)

Sidewalk safety note: Walk like a penguin—short steps, feet slightly turned out, hands free (skip hands-in-pockets), and use railings when you can.

Extended Weather Forecast

Expected Conditions (Next Three Days)

Tonight (Wed, Jan 14)

• Partly cloudy

• Wind NW 20 gusting to 40, becoming light early this evening

• Low: -21°C

• Wind chill near -28 overnight

• Risk of frostbite

Thursday (Jan 15)

• Becoming cloudy in the morning

• Periods of snow beginning early afternoon

• Wind up to 15 km/h

• High: -8°C

• Wind chill near -28 in the morning, -14 in the afternoon

• Risk of frostbite

• Thursday night: Periods of snow, low -9°C

Friday (Jan 16)

• Periods of snow

• High: -5°C

• Friday night: Cloudy periods with 60% chance of flurries, low -19°C

Wardrobe Recommendations

• This morning through afternoon: Full winter gear. A windproof outer layer is key with gusts up to 70 km/h. Add insulated gloves/mitts, a toque, and a scarf/neck warmer to protect exposed skin.

• For walking today: Wear boots with aggressive tread. If you have them, ice cleats are a huge help on refrozen sidewalks.

• Tonight: Dress for -20s with wind chill near -28—cover your face if you’re outside for more than a few minutes.

• Thursday snow: Swap to a waterproof outer layer and boots that can handle accumulating snow.

Weather Trivia

Freeze–thaw cycles are some of the most dangerous winter setups for sidewalks. When temperatures rise above freezing, meltwater spreads across pavement—then a quick drop back below zero turns that thin layer into near-invisible ice, especially overnight and in shaded areas.

Weather Summary

Thunder Bay weather for January 14, 2026: Clear and very cold this morning near -19°C with wind chills to -29 and gusty winds. Watch for icy sidewalks from yesterday’s melt/refreeze. Snow returns Thursday afternoon with periods of snow into Friday.