DRYDEN – It feels almost springlike in Dryden and Vermilion Bay this afternoon, but the region is heading toward a much messier stretch of weather. A Special Weather Statement is in effect for Dryden – Vermilion Bay, with freezing rain possible Thursday night through Friday afternoon and potential ice build-up of 1 to 4 mm.
It ties into the weather system impacting southern Manitoba and Winnipeg that the Weather Desk reported this morning.
Today’s Weather Overview
As of 3:00 PM CDT Wednesday, April 15, conditions were partly cloudy with a temperature of 8.3°C. Winds were from the south-southwest at 13 km/h, humidity was 67 percent, and visibility was 16 km. Barometric pressure sat at 100.7 kPa.
That has made for a fairly decent mid-April day, but the forecast shows the calmer conditions will not last.
Tonight and the Next Three Days
Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a 40 percent chance of showers late this evening and after midnight, then a 30 percent chance of drizzle overnight. Fog patches are expected to develop after midnight, and the low will fall to 0°C.
Thursday, April 16 turns cloudy, with a 30 percent chance of drizzle in the morning and a risk of freezing drizzle early in the morning. Fog patches should lift in the morning. Winds will shift north at 20 km/h, then become light near noon before turning northeast at 20 km/h gusting to 40 in the afternoon. The high will reach 5°C.
Thursday night is the period to watch closely. The forecast calls for cloudy skies, a 40 percent chance of drizzle in the evening, then freezing rain or periods of rain beginning late in the evening. Winds will strengthen from the east to 40 km/h gusting to 60 before easing somewhat after midnight. The low will be -2°C, with a wind chill near -7 overnight.
Friday, April 17 remains unsettled, with periods of snow or rain and temperatures climbing to 8°C. The Special Weather Statement says conditions should improve Friday afternoon, but the morning and midday could still bring icy and slick travel.
By Saturday, colder air pushes back in, with a 30 percent chance of flurries and a high of just -2°C. Sunshine returns on Sunday, but it will still be chilly, with a high near 2°C.
Special Weather Statement
Environment Canada says a low-pressure system is expected to bring a wintry mix of precipitation to the area beginning Thursday night. Freezing rain or freezing drizzle mixed with rain is expected to start first in the Kenora area Thursday evening, then spread eastward, reaching areas like Dryden and Vermilion Bay by later Thursday night.
The main concern is ice build-up of 1 to 4 mm, which could make roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and untreated surfaces slippery. Forecasters note that warnings may be issued as the event draws closer.
Travel Outlook
Thursday night into Friday looks like the roughest stretch for travel. Even a thin coating of ice can create hazardous highway and community road conditions quickly, especially if freezing rain develops before temperatures rise enough for plain rain. Anyone planning travel between Dryden, Vermilion Bay, and surrounding highways should watch forecast updates closely.
Wardrobe Recommendations
This afternoon may feel comfortable in a lighter jacket, but tonight through Friday calls for more caution. A water-resistant jacket, boots with good grip, and warmer layers will be the smart choice. By Saturday, winter gear will be needed again as colder air returns.
Weather Trivia
Northwestern Ontario spring storms can be some of the trickiest forecasts of the year. That is because temperatures often hover close to freezing, allowing rain, freezing rain, drizzle, and snow to all appear within a short time span.
Final Words
Dryden and Vermilion Bay weather update for April 15, 2026: mild today, but a Special Weather Statement warns freezing rain is possible Thursday night into Friday with icy travel conditions possible.
