Thunder Bay is starting Friday under a solid blanket of cloud, and the bigger story is the wind. A cold front is pushing through, and behind it, Environment Canada is warning of strong northwest winds that could whip up blowing snow and sudden drops in visibility later today.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions (8:00 AM EST, Friday Feb. 27)

At observation time, Thunder Bay is cloudy with a temperature of -9.6°C (14.7°F). The air feels a touch sharper with a wind chill of -11, even though winds are currently light at N 2 km/h.

• Pressure: 100.4 kPa (falling) — a sign of an active weather change nearby

• Dew point: -11.2°C — close to the air temperature, supporting the high humidity (88%)

• Visibility: 24 km — good right now, but may worsen quickly once winds increase and snow starts blowing

Key Impact Today: Strong Wind Statement

A Special Weather Statement is in effect for the City of Thunder Bay:

• What: Northwest winds gusting 70–80 km/h

• When: Developing late this morning/this afternoon, easing through the evening

• Risk: Blowing snow and reduced visibility, plus the chance of minor utility issues and loose objects being tossed around

Today (Friday)

• Sky/Precip: Mainly cloudy with a 70% chance of flurries

• High: +2°C (35.6°F)

• Wind: West 20 km/h gusting 40 this morning, increasing to 50 km/h gusting 80 early this afternoon

• Wind chill: Near -15 this morning

Tonight (Friday Night)

• Sky/Precip: Partly cloudy, 30% chance of flurries early this evening; local blowing snow

• Low: -19°C (-2.2°F)

• Wind: West 50 gusting 80, shifting NW 30 gusting 50 late evening

• Wind chill: Near -28 overnight — risk of frostbite

Tomorrow’s Forecast

Expected Conditions (Next Three Days)

Saturday, Feb. 28

• Day: Mainly sunny

  • High: -10°C (14°F)

  • Wind: NW 20 km/h gusting 40, becoming light in the morning

  • Wind chill: About -29 in the morning, -15 in the afternoon (frostbite risk early)

• Night: Clear

  • Low: -28°C (-18.4°F)

Sunday, March 1

• Day: Sunny

  • High: -10°C (14°F)

• Night: Cloudy with 30% chance of flurries

  • Low: -18°C (-0.4°F)

Monday, March 2

• Day: Cloudy with 40% chance of flurries

  • High: -1°C (30.2°F)

• Night: Cloudy with 40% chance of flurries

  • Low: -8°C (17.6°F)

Wardrobe Recommendations

• This morning: Winter parka, warm hat, insulated gloves, and a scarf/neck warmer. Even with light wind now, the air is cold and damp enough to feel biting.

• This afternoon and evening: Dress for the wind. Add windproof outer layers, goggles or glasses if you’re driving or walking in open areas, and secure anything loose (hoods, hats, bags).

• Overnight into Saturday morning: This is serious cold with wind chill near -28. If you’re out early, go with insulated boots, thick mitts, a face covering, and layered clothing (base layer + fleece + windproof shell).

• Saturday night: With -28°C expected, limit exposure, keep skin covered, and plan for a cold-start vehicle check (battery, block heater if available).

Weather Trivia

Thunder Bay’s position near Lake Superior can dramatically shape local weather. When cold air sweeps over the lake (especially when parts of it are still open), it can pick up moisture and drop it downwind as lake-effect snow, sometimes creating sharp differences in snowfall over short distances.