KENORA – WEATHER – Kenora and the Lake of the Woods region are deep in an Arctic lock-down this morning, with ice crystals in the air, a bitter temperature near -34°C, and a wind chill around -47. Environment Canada has an Orange Warning – Cold in effect for Kenora–Grassy Narrows–Whitedog, warning of wind chills from -40 to -48 continuing through the weekend. Frostbite can develop in minutes, even under sunny skies.
Today’s Weather Overview
Current Conditions (Kenora Airport – 5:00 AM CST)
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Condition: Ice Crystals
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Temperature: -34.4°C
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Wind Chill: -47
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Wind: WNW 16 km/h
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Pressure: 103.8 kPa, rising
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Humidity: 74%
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Visibility: 32 km
Ice crystals are a classic extreme-cold feature—tiny suspended crystals that can create a “sparkly haze” effect. Visibility is good, but the cold is severe and the wind chill is the real hazard.
Orange Cold Warning
What’s happening
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Wind chill values: -40 to -48
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Timing: Continuing through the weekend
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Impact Level: High
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Forecast Confidence: High
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Main driver: An Arctic airmass is established over the region with little daytime relief expected.
Why it matters
Extreme cold puts everyone at risk, with higher risk 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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people without proper shelter or winter clothing
Frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin, especially when wind chills dip into the -40s.
Extended Weather Forecast
Expected Conditions: Today Through Sunday
Friday, January 23 (Today)
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Sky: Mainly sunny
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Wind: Northwest 20 km/h, becoming light near noon
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High: -25°C
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Wind Chill: -46 this morning, near -35 this afternoon
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Risk: Frostbite in minutes
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UV Index: 1 (Low)
Tonight
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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: near -42 overnight
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Risk: Frostbite in minutes
Saturday, January 24
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Sky: Mainly sunny
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Wind: Up to 15 km/h
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High: -26°C
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Wind Chill: -43 in the morning, -34 in the afternoon
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UV Index: 1 (Low)
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Night: Clear, -35°C
Sunday, January 25
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Sky: Sunny
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High: -24°C
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Night: Clear, -33°C
Trend: Bright skies continue, but this is “sunny and dangerous” cold. Nights remain frigid, and mornings are the most hazardous window.
Wardrobe Recommendations
This is full deep-freeze gear weather—dress to eliminate exposed skin:
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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 matters)
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Hands: insulated mitts + liners
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Head/face: toque that covers ears + neck gaiter/balaclava to protect cheeks and nose
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Feet: warm socks + insulated boots (avoid tight boots—circulation keeps feet warm)
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Vehicle kit: blankets, booster cables, spare mitts/hat, flashlight, and a phone charger
Cold Warning Safety for Pets
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Keep pets indoors as much as possible—if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
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Dogs: shorten walks to quick bathroom breaks; wipe paws after outings (ice and salt can irritate).
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Cats: keep indoors during extreme cold.
Weather Trivia
Here’s a cold-weather benchmark: at -40°, Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same number. When Kenora’s wind chills approach -48, you’re in a level of cold where even small mistakes—no mitts, exposed cheeks, a stalled vehicle—can turn serious quickly.
Weather Overview
Kenora–Lake of the Woods is under an Environment Canada Orange Cold Warning as wind chills plunge to -40 to -48 through the weekend. Get current conditions, a detailed multi-day forecast, frostbite risk guidance, and what to wear for extreme cold.
