Issued: Friday, February 27, 2026 (morning)

Thunder Bay – WEATHER – A sharp-moving system is driving gusty winds, flurries, and pockets of blowing snow across Northwestern Ontario today, followed by a deep freeze tonight (wind chills well into the -20s and -30s). Thunder Bay is under a strong wind statement with gusts up to 80 km/h expected this afternoon.

Regional Travel Headlines (Today into Tonight)

• Blowing snow risk: Most likely late morning through evening where winds ramp up, especially along open stretches of Hwy 17 and Hwy 11.

• Frostbite risk tonight: Several areas drop into -20s with wind chills pushing -30 or colder.

• Thunder Bay: Strong west/northwest winds gusting up to 80 km/h today; local blowing snow possible this evening.

City-by-City Weather

Kenora

Today: Flurries tapering off, then mainly cloudy with a continued chance of flurries. Risk of snow squalls late morning/early afternoon with blowing snow as winds strengthen (gusty west to northwest).
Tonight: Turning sharply colder.
Saturday: Brighter skies and colder air settles in.

Dryden

Today: Flurries ending early afternoon, then cloudy with a chance of more flurries. Risk of snow squalls late morning/early afternoon and blowing snow in the afternoon with strong west winds.
Tonight: Mainly cloudy, chance of flurries early; local blowing snow and very cold wind chills overnight (frostbite risk).
Saturday: Sunny, cold.

Fort Frances

Today: Mainly cloudy with a high chance of flurries late morning/afternoon and local blowing snow as northwest winds strengthen.
Tonight: Partly cloudy with a chance of flurries early; local blowing snow in the evening. Cold wind chills overnight(frostbite risk).
Saturday: Sunny and cold.

Atikokan

Today: Cloudy with a good chance of flurries this afternoon. Expect strong winds (gusty) later today, which can kick up local blowing snow.
Tonight: Mainly cloudy with a chance of flurries; local blowing snow possible; bitter wind chills overnight.
Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud / improving, but staying cold.

Ignace

Today: Cloudy with flurries developing, and a windy shift as northwest gusts increase; wind chill worsens through the day.
Tonight: Windy with a chance of flurries; colder.
Saturday: Sunny and very cold at night.

Thunder Bay

Today: Cloudy with a 70% chance of flurries. Winds increase through the day, peaking at gusts up to 80 km/h this afternoon.
Tonight: Turning colder with local blowing snow possible early; wind chills near -30 overnight (frostbite risk).
Saturday: Mainly sunny, but very cold.

Highway Conditions (Ontario 511)

Ontario 511’s current feed notes no province-wide emergency at the time of check.
For Northwestern Ontario specifically, the most notable items showing in the 511 event feed are:

Hwy 17 (Kenora area)

• Kenora – Keewatin Channel Bridge (Hwy 17): Construction/roadwork noted with westbound lane closed and temporary traffic signal controls; vehicle weight limit 8,500 lbs and larger vehicles are directed to use Hwy 17A.

Hwy 11 (Atikokan area)

• Atikokan – Hwy 11 southbound: Roadwork listed with alternating lane(s) between Jim Lake Rd (S) and Nym Lake Rd (S) / to MNR station area.

Kenora–Dryden–Ignace–Thunder Bay travel note (weather-driven)

Even where 511 doesn’t show a closure, today’s high winds + flurries can still create sudden visibility drops (especially in open country). Plan extra time and be ready for rapidly changing conditions.

Quick Winter Driving Reminders (Today & Tonight)

• If you hit blowing snow: slow down, increase following distance, and avoid passing.

• Pack the basics: warm layers, gloves, booster cables, flashlight, and a charged phone.

• With wind chills near -30, exposed skin can freeze quickly—dress for a breakdown scenario, not just the walk from car to door.

Always verify your full route before departure using Ontario 511 and check the latest Environment Canada alerts/updates for your community.