KENORA – WEATHER DESK – Kenora and the Lake of the Woods region remain locked in a high-impact Arctic deep freeze this Saturday morning. Ice crystals are hanging in the air, temperatures are sitting in the low -30s, and the Orange Cold Warning continues for Kenora–Grassy Narrows–Whitedog as wind chills remain in the -40 to -48 range through the weekend.
Even when the sun appears later today, little relief is expected—this is the kind of cold where frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin.
Today’s Weather Overview
Current Conditions (Kenora Airport – 7:00 AM CST)
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Temperature: -33.4°C
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Wind Chill: -44
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Condition: Ice Crystals
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Wind: S 12 km/h
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Pressure: 103.8 kPa, falling
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Humidity: 74%
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Dew Point: -36.4°C
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Visibility: 24 km
Ice crystals are a classic extreme-cold feature—tiny crystals suspended in the air that can make the morning look “sparkly,” but they’re also a sign you’re dealing with serious cold.
Orange Cold Warning
What Environment Canada is warning about
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What: Wind chill values of -40 to -48
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When: Continuing through the weekend
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Impact Level: High
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Forecast Confidence: High
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Key detail: An Arctic airmass is established over the region, and daytime relief will be limited.
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 illness
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outdoor workers and anyone exercising outside
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anyone without proper winter shelter or clothing
If you notice numbness, tingling, pain, or colour changes in fingers/toes, go indoors and begin warming.
Weather Forecast
Expected Conditions (Today through Monday)
Saturday, January 24 (Today)
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Sky: Clear early, becoming a mix of sun and cloud
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Wind: Up to 15 km/h
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High: -23°C
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Wind chill: -45 this morning, improving to -28 this afternoon
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Risk: Frostbite in minutes
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UV Index: 1 (Low)
Tonight
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Sky: Partly cloudy
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Wind: Up to 15 km/h
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Low: -35°C
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Wind chill: -41 overnight
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Risk: Frostbite in minutes
Sunday, January 25
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Sky: Sunny
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Wind: Becoming west 20 km/h early afternoon
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High: -25°C
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Wind chill: -43 morning, -37 afternoon
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Risk: Frostbite in minutes
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Night: Clear, low -30°C
Monday, January 26
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Sky: Cloudy with 60% chance of snow
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High: -17°C
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Night: Cloudy periods, low -24°C
Trend: Still brutally cold through Sunday, then a slow moderation begins Monday—though it remains winter-cold, and cloud/snow chances increase.
Wardrobe Recommendations
This is “no exposed skin” weather:
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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
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Hands: insulated mitts (warmer than gloves) + liners
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Face/head: toque that covers ears + balaclava/neck gaiter for cheeks and nose
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Feet: warm socks + insulated boots (avoid tight boots—circulation matters)
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Vehicle kit: blanket, booster cables, flashlight, spare mitts/hat, phone charger
Cold Warning Safety for Pets and Livestock
Dogs
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Keep walks very short—quick bathroom breaks during peak wind chills.
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Wipe paws after outings (ice and salt can irritate), and watch for shivering or paw-lifting.
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.
Livestock
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Prioritize windbreaks and dry bedding (wind is a major driver of cold stress).
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Check water sources often to prevent freezing.
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Monitor animals closely—prolonged cold increases energy needs.
Weather Trivia
At -40°, Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same number. When wind chills hover in the -40s, it’s a reminder that the danger is universal—no matter which temperature scale you use.
Summary
Kenora and Lake of the Woods remain under an Environment Canada Orange Cold Warning on Jan. 24, 2026. Morning wind chills near -45 and overnight chills near -41 keep frostbite risk high through the weekend.
