THUNDER BAY – WEATHER – Thunder Bay’s Arctic cold has intensified through late morning, with drifting snow now reported at the airport and a Yellow Warning – Cold issued for the City of Thunder Bay.

While the thermometer sits near -24°C, the real story is the wind and the wind chill: conditions are expected to worsen tonight, with wind chills pushing into the minus 40 range and frostbite possible in minutes during the coldest overnight hours.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions (Thunder Bay Airport – 11:00 AM EST)

Late-morning conditions show the cold tightening its grip:

• Temperature: -24.0°C

• Feels like (Wind Chill): -35

• Condition: Drifting Snow

• Wind: WNW 18 km/h, gusting 42 km/h

• Pressure: 101.7 kPa, rising

• Humidity: 53%

• Dew Point: -30.9°C

• Visibility: 32 km

Even with good visibility, drifting snow can create sudden localized reductions—especially on open stretches of road where gusts pick up and snow gets lofted across lanes.

Yellow Warning – Cold (Moderate Impact, High Confidence)

Environment Canada has posted a Yellow Cold Warning for Thunder Bay:

• What: wind chill values near -40

• When: beginning tonight, continuing into the weekend

• Why it matters: little relief is expected Friday, and cold wind chills may return again Sunday morning in some areas

This is a moderate-impact event, but it carries high risk for anyone exposed too long—especially children, older adults, outdoor workers, and anyone without proper winter gear and shelter.

Tomorrow’s Forecast

Expected Conditions: Tonight Through Sunday

Thursday, January 22 (Today)

• Sky: Mix of sun and cloud

• Flurries: 40% chance

• Wind: Northwest 30 km/h, gusting to 50

• High: -22°C

• Wind chill: near -36

• Hazard: risk of frostbite

Tonight

• Sky: Partly cloudy; 40% chance of flurries early this evening

• Wind: Northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50

• Low: -30°C

• Wind chill: -35 this evening, near -43 overnight

• Hazard: frostbite in minutes overnight

Friday, January 23

• Sky: Sunny

• Wind: Northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40

• High: -23°C

• Wind chill: -42 in the morning, improving to around -34 in the afternoon

• Hazard: frostbite in minutes

Saturday, January 24

• Sky: Sunny

• High: -20°C

• Night: Cloudy periods, -25°C

Sunday, January 25

• Sky: Mix of sun and cloud

• High: -16°C

• Night: Cloudy periods, -27°C

Trend: There’s a slow moderation by Sunday, but “less cold” is not “safe cold.” Wind chill remains the danger driver, especially overnight and first thing in the morning.

Wardrobe Recommendations

When wind chills fall into the -35 to -43 range, plan like you might be stuck outside longer than expected.

• Base layer: thermal top and bottom (moisture-wicking)

• Mid layer: fleece or wool insulation

• Outer layer: windproof winter coat and snow pants (wind protection is huge today)

• Hands: insulated mitts + liners

• Face/neck: balaclava or neck gaiter + scarf (cover cheeks and nose)

• Feet: warm socks + insulated boots (not too tight)

• Travel smart: keep a vehicle kit with blankets, booster cables, gloves, a hat, and a flashlight

Cold Warning Safety for Pets and Livestock

Extreme cold and wind chills are hard on animals—especially paws, ears, noses, and any animal that gets wet.

Dogs

• Shorten walks: quick bathroom breaks; skip long walks during peak wind chill.

• Protect paws: wipe paws after every outing to remove snow, ice, and road salt.

• Add insulation if needed: small dogs, seniors, short-haired dogs, and puppies often need a coat.

• Watch behaviour: shivering, lifting paws, trying to turn back, or refusing to walk = too cold.

Cats

• Indoors is safest: keep pet cats inside during extreme cold.

• Check vehicles: during cold snaps, outdoor cats sometimes seek warmth near engines—tap the hood before starting your car.

Livestock

• Windbreaks matter: shelter from wind reduces cold stress dramatically (trees, fencing, barns, or constructed breaks).

• Keep bedding deep and dry: animals lose heat fast to frozen ground.

• Water access is critical: check troughs and waterers more often to prevent freezing.

• Nutrition: prolonged cold increases energy demands—monitor body condition closely and adjust feed with proper guidance.

Weather Trivia

Wind chill isn’t the “real temperature,” but it is the real risk. Wind strips away the thin warm layer of air around skin (and fur), increasing heat loss and raising frostbite risk. That’s why a day at -24°C can feel much more dangerous when gusts surge into the 40–50 km/h range.

Weather Overview

Thunder Bay weather update for Jan. 22, 2026: drifting snow, gusty northwest winds, and a new Yellow Cold Warning. Wind chills near -40 begin tonight, dipping toward -43 overnight. Full forecast, frostbite risk guidance, wardrobe tips, and pet/livestock safety.