DRYDEN – WEATHER – Dryden and Vermilion Bay are in the core of an intense Arctic outbreak this morning. Even with mostly clear skies, the combination of brutal air temperature and a steady west wind is driving wind chills into dangerous, high-impact territory.
Environment Canada’s Orange Warning – Cold remains in effect, and the region will see very cold wind chills continue through the weekend, with only limited daytime relief.
Today’s Weather Overview
Current Conditions (Dryden Airport – 5:00 AM CST)
-
Temperature: -36.5°C
-
Wind Chill: -50
-
Condition: Mainly clear
-
Wind: W 17 km/h
-
Pressure: 103.6 kPa
-
Humidity: 69%
-
Dew Point: -40.1°C
-
Visibility: 16 km
That -50 wind chill is the headline this morning. In these conditions, exposed skin can freeze quickly—this is not “bundle up and tough it out” weather.
Orange Cold Warning
What the warning says
-
Wind chill values: -40 to -48
-
Timing: Continuing through the weekend
-
Impact Level: High
-
Forecast Confidence: High
-
Key note: Little daytime relief expected as the Arctic airmass stays locked over the region.
Why it matters
Extreme cold puts everyone at risk, with greater risk for:
-
young children and older adults
-
people with chronic illness
-
outdoor workers and anyone exercising outside
-
anyone without proper shelter or winter clothing
Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin when wind chills are this low.
Practical safety tip: plan tasks so you can get inside quickly, and keep a vehicle kit ready (blankets, booster cables, warm gloves/hat, flashlight).
Extended Weather Forecast
Expected Conditions (Today through Sunday)
Friday, January 23 (Today)
-
Sky: Sunny
-
Wind: Becoming west 20 km/h this morning
-
High: -26°C
-
Wind Chill: -48 this morning, improving to about -36 this afternoon
-
Risk: Frostbite in minutes
-
UV Index: 1 (Low)
Tonight
-
Sky: Clear
-
Wind: West 20 km/h becoming light early this evening
-
Low: -33°C
-
Wind Chill: -42 overnight
-
Risk: Frostbite in minutes
Saturday, January 24
-
Sky: Mainly sunny
-
Wind: Up to 15 km/h
-
High: -25°C
-
Wind Chill: -43 in the morning, about -33 in the afternoon
-
Night: Clear, -33°C
Sunday, January 25
-
Sky: Sunny
-
High: -24°C
-
Night: Clear, -32°C
Early next week trend
A slow moderation begins:
-
Monday: 30% chance of flurries, high -19°C
-
Tuesday: mix of sun and cloud, high -18°C
But nights stay cold, and wind chills remain a concern.
Wardrobe Recommendations
This is full deep-freeze gear weather—dress to eliminate exposed skin:
-
Base layer: thermal top and bottom (moisture-wicking)
-
Mid layer: fleece or wool insulation
-
Outer layer: windproof parka + snow pants (wind resistance is key)
-
Hands: insulated mitts + liners (mitts are warmer than gloves)
-
Face/head: toque that covers ears + neck gaiter/balaclava (cover cheeks and nose)
-
Feet: warm socks + insulated boots (not tight—tight boots get colder)
-
If driving: keep spare mitts/hat, a blanket, and a phone charger in the vehicle
Cold Warning Safety for Pets and Livestock
Dogs
-
Keep outings very short—quick bathroom breaks only during peak wind chills.
-
Wipe paws after every outing (ice can pack between toes; road salt can irritate).
-
Small, short-haired, young, or older dogs may need a coat.
Cats
-
Keep pet cats indoors in extreme cold.
-
During cold snaps, outdoor cats may seek warmth near vehicles—tap the hood before starting.
Livestock
-
Windbreaks matter: shelter from wind reduces cold stress dramatically.
-
Provide deep, dry bedding to limit heat loss to frozen ground.
-
Check water sources often—frozen waterers raise dehydration risk.
-
Monitor animals closely; prolonged extreme cold increases energy needs.
Weather Trivia
Clear skies can make mornings colder. With fewer clouds acting like a blanket, overnight heat escapes more easily—one reason wind chills can bottom out around sunrise even when the day looks bright and calm.
