February 23, 2026: Northern Ontario Remote Communities Weather Report

Yellow Cold Warning in Effect as Wind Chills Near -45

Thunder Bay – WEATHER DESK – A Yellow Warning – Cold is in effect across several Far North and western James Bay communities this morning, with wind chill values near -45. Environment Canada notes the worst wind chills hit early this morning, with the cold returning tonight for areas stretching from Peawanuck to Ogoki Post and east to James Bay. Frostbite can develop in minutes on exposed skin—this is a “cover every inch” kind of day.

In Wasaho Cree Nation, the school is closed this morning with the extreme cold, and will open at 1PM.

What the Yellow Cold Warning means

• Impact: Moderate, confidence: High

• Hazard: Wind chills near -45 (and locally worse)

• Timing: Early this morning; returning again tonight in parts of the region
  Dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer, use mittens (not gloves), and cover face/neck. Keep pets indoors and ensure vehicles have a winter kit.

Three-Day Outlook

KI (Big Trout Lake / Kitchenuhmaykoosib)

Today (Mon): Sunny turning to a mix of sun and cloud near noon. High -23°C, with wind chills near -48 this morningand -33 this afternoon (frostbite in minutes).
Tonight: Clouding over then snow (~2 cm). Low -24°C, wind chill near -36.
Tuesday: Snow (~2 cm). High -14°C, wind chill -33 morning / -20 afternoon.

Sachigo Lake

Today (Mon): Increasing cloudiness. High -21°C, wind chill -48 this morning / -32 this afternoon (frostbite in minutes).
Tonight: Snow (~2 cm). Low -22°C, wind chill near -33.
Tuesday: Snow (~2 cm). High -13°C, wind chill -32 morning / -19 afternoon.

Bearskin Lake

Today (Mon): Increasing cloudiness. High -21°C, wind chill -48 this morning / -32 this afternoon (frostbite in minutes).
Tonight: Snow (~2 cm). Low -22°C, wind chill near -33.
Tuesday: Snow, then colder again Tuesday night with flurry chances.

Ogoki Post (Marten Falls / Ogoki)

Today (Mon): Sunny. High -24°C, wind chill -45 this morning / -29 this afternoon (frostbite in minutes).
Tonight: Increasing cloud; light snow begins overnight. Low -30°C, wind chill near -41.
Tuesday: Snow (~2 cm). High -17°C, wind chill -38 morning / -24 afternoon.

Fort Severn

Today (Mon): Sunny. High -27°C, wind chill -49 this morning / -38 this afternoon (frostbite in minutes).
Tonight: Clear then partly cloudy; SE winds ramp up late. Low -33°C, wind chill -50 overnight.
Tuesday: Snow (~2 cm). High -20°C, wind chill -48 morning / -28 afternoon.

Kashechewan area

Environment Canada’s page for this area is grouped under the Fort Albany forecast region.
Today (Mon): Clearing early. High -25°C, wind chill near -41 (frostbite in minutes).
Tonight: Clear. Low -36°C, wind chill -46 overnight.
Tuesday: Sunny then a mix of sun and cloud. High -23°C, wind chill -46 morning / -34 afternoon.

Wardrobe Recommendations

This is extreme-cold clothing, even if skies are sunny:

• Base + mid + insulated outer layer, with a windproof shell

• Mittens, insulated boots, and face covering (balaclava/neck gaiter)

• Limit outdoor time, take warm-up breaks, and watch for numbness/colour change in fingers and toes

Weather Trivia

When skies clear under Arctic air, temperatures can drop fast overnight. That’s why several communities see the worst wind chills late night into early morning, even if the afternoon looks calm and bright.