SIOUX LOOKOUT – WEATHER DESK – Sioux Lookout and Eastern Lac Seul are in the middle of a high-impact Arctic outbreak, with Environment Canada maintaining an Orange Warning – Cold as wind chills plunge into the -40 to -45 range through the weekend.
Even when skies clear and the sun appears, the air mass overhead is so cold that frostbite can develop in minutes—especially when any wind is present.
Current Weather Overview
Current Conditions (Sioux Lookout Airport – 5:00 PM CST)
Late-day conditions are severe and active, with snow and drifting adding to the hazards:
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Temperature: -31.1°C
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Wind Chill: -44
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Condition: Light snow and drifting snow
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Wind: NW 18 km/h, gusting 36 km/h
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Pressure: 102.7 kPa, rising
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Humidity: 62%
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Dew Point: -36.0°C
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Visibility: 16 km
A rising barometer often points to improving skies, but that doesn’t mean improving safety—this is “clear and dangerously cold” territory.
Orange Cold Warning
What’s happening
Environment Canada is warning of a multi-day episode of extreme wind chills:
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Wind chill values: -40 to -45
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Timing: continuing through the weekend
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Peak risk: -45 possible tonight into Friday morning
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Impact level: High
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Forecast confidence: High
Why this matters
This cold affects everyone, but the risk rises quickly for:
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young children and older adults
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people with chronic illnesses
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outdoor workers and anyone exercising outside
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anyone without proper shelter or winter clothing
When wind chills drop below -40, even short exposure can become dangerous—especially if skin is uncovered.
Extended Weather Forecast
Expected Conditions (Next Three Days)
Tonight (Thursday Night)
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Sky: Partly cloudy
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Flurries: 40% chance this evening
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Wind: NW 20 km/h gusting to 40, becoming light after midnight
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Low: -33°C
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Wind chill: near -45
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Risk: Frostbite in minutes
Friday, January 23
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Sky: Sunny
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Wind: West 20 km/h gusting to 40, becoming light near noon
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High: -25°C
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Wind chill: -46 in the morning, improving to about -35 in the afternoon
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Risk: Frostbite in minutes
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UV Index: 1 (Low)
Friday Night
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Sky: Clear
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Wind: up to 15 km/h
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Low: -33°C
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Wind chill: around -42 overnight
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Risk: Frostbite in minutes
Saturday, January 24
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Sky: Sunny
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High: -23°C
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Night: Clear, -34°C
Sunday, January 25
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Sky: Sunny
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High: -23°C
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Night: Clear, -33°C
Early outlook
A slight easing begins early next week (highs closer to -20), but it remains firmly in extreme-winter territory with periodic flurry chances and cold nights.
Wardrobe Recommendations
When wind chills are -40 to -45, dress for safety first:
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Base layer: thermal top and bottom (moisture-wicking)
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Mid layer: fleece or wool insulation
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Outer layer: windproof parka + snow pants (wind resistance is crucial)
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Hands: insulated mitts + liners (mitts are warmer than gloves)
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Head/face: toque that covers ears + balaclava/neck gaiter to protect cheeks and nose
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Feet: warm socks + insulated boots (not tight—circulation keeps feet warm)
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Travel smart: keep a vehicle kit with blankets, booster cables, flashlight, and spare winter gear
If you’ll be outside for work: schedule warm-up breaks and rotate tasks so no one is exposed too long.
Cold Warning Safety for Pets and Livestock
Extreme cold is hard on animals too—especially paws, ears, noses, and any animal that gets wet.
Dogs
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Keep walks very short—quick bathroom breaks during peak wind chill.
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Wipe paws after outings to remove ice/salt and check for cracking or ice buildup.
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Small, short-haired, young, or older dogs may need a coat.
Cats
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Keep pet cats indoors during extreme cold.
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Outdoor cats may seek warmth near vehicles—tap the hood before starting your car.
Livestock
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Provide windbreaks and shelter (wind is a major driver of cold stress).
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Ensure deep, dry bedding to reduce heat loss to frozen ground.
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Check water sources frequently to prevent freezing and dehydration risk.
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Monitor feed and body condition—animals burn more energy maintaining heat in prolonged cold.
Weather Trivia
At these temperatures, wind matters as much as the thermometer. A modest breeze can strip away the thin layer of warm air near skin (and fur), accelerating heat loss—this is why Sioux Lookout can feel like -45 even when the air temperature is “only” in the low -30s.
Summary
Sioux Lookout–Eastern Lac Seul remains under an Environment Canada Orange Cold Warning as wind chills hit -40 to -45 through the weekend. Full forecast, frostbite risk details, wardrobe guidance, and cold safety tips.
