Thunder Bay – WEATHER – Thunder Bay is waking up to a clear, brutally cold morning as Arctic air remains locked over the Lakehead.
The City of Thunder Bay is under a Yellow Warning – Cold with wind chills expected to range from -40 to -45, continuing into the weekend. Even with sunshine, frostbite can develop in minutes when wind chills plunge this low—especially early morning and overnight.
Today’s Weather Overview
Current Conditions (Thunder Bay Airport – 5:00 AM EST)
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Condition: Clear
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Temperature: -31.8°C
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Wind Chill: -45
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Wind: W 20 km/h, gusting 30 km/h
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Pressure: 103.3 kPa, rising
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Humidity: 57%
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Dew Point: -37.5°C
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Visibility: 24 km
The sky may be clear, but the wind is doing the damage—turning a very cold -32°C into an extreme -45 wind chill.
Yellow Warning – Cold
What to expect
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Wind chill values: -40 to -45
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Timing: Beginning tonight and continuing into the weekend
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Confidence: High
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Impact: Moderate
Environment Canada notes only limited daytime relief as the Arctic airmass holds on. Temperatures may moderate Saturday, but cold wind chills can return again Sunday morning in some areas.
Cold safety notes
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Cover exposed skin completely—especially cheeks, nose, ears, and hands.
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Keep a vehicle kit ready (blanket, booster cables, gloves, hat, flashlight).
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If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.
Extended Weather Forecast
Expected Conditions (Today Through Sunday)
Friday, January 23 (Today)
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Sky: Sunny
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Wind: Northwest 20 km/h, gusting 40 km/h
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High: -25°C
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Wind chill: -44 this morning, -37 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: Northwest 20 km/h, becoming light late this evening
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Low: -31°C
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Wind chill: -35 this evening, -40 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: -20°C
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Wind chill: -40 in the morning, improving to -24 in the afternoon
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UV Index: 1 (Low)
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Night: Cloudy periods, -25°C
Sunday, January 25
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Sky: A mix of sun and cloud
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High: -19°C
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Night: Cloudy periods, -27°C
Trend: The weekend brings a gradual easing in temperature, but mornings remain dangerous—especially where wind chill dips back toward -40.
Wardrobe Recommendations
This is full winter survival gear weather:
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Base layer: thermal (moisture-wicking) top and bottom
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Mid layer: fleece or wool insulation
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Outer layer: windproof parka and snow pants (wind protection matters most today)
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Hands: insulated mitts + liners
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Face: neck gaiter/balaclava to cover cheeks and nose
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Feet: warm socks + insulated boots (not tight—circulation keeps feet warm)
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Commute add-ons: spare mitts/hat, blanket, and a phone charger in the vehicle
Weather Trivia
Clear skies can mean colder nights. With fewer clouds acting like a “blanket,” heat escapes more easily, allowing temperatures—and wind chills—to drop sharply overnight. That’s why clear, calm-looking winter weather can still be the most dangerous.
Weather Summary
Thunder Bay faces extreme cold on Jan. 23, 2026 with a Yellow Cold Warning in effect. Morning wind chill hits -45, with wind chills -40 to -45 continuing into the weekend. Full forecast, frostbite risk guidance, and what to wear.
