Cool, Breezy Friday with Scattered Showers — Warmer and Brighter Weekend Ahead
THUNDER BAY – Weather – Ready for the weekend? If keeping that summer tan is a goal, it likely won’t be from Mother Nature’s UV Rays. The forecast is not for clear skies and sunny conditions.
Northwestern Ontario is off to a chilly and unsettled start this Friday, with cloudy skies, gusty northwest winds, and scattered showers reported across much of the region. Temperatures remain below seasonal norms today, but a significant warming trend begins this weekend, with sunshine returning and daytime highs climbing into the upper teens and even low 20s in some communities by Monday.
From Kenora and Dryden to Sandy Lake, Fort Hope, and the Nipigon coast, communities should prepare for one more cool, breezy day before transitioning into a more pleasant fall pattern.
Today’s Regional Conditions (Friday, September 5)
| Location | Early AM Temp | Conditions | High | Wind | Chance of Showers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenora | 5°C | Light rainshowers, cloudy | 11°C | NW 30 km/h, gusts to 50 | 40% |
| Dryden | 4°C | Cloudy | 9°C | NW 30 km/h, gusts to 50 | 60% |
| Sioux Lookout | 4°C | Mostly cloudy | 8°C | NW 30 km/h, gusts to 50 | 60% |
| Sandy Lake | ~6°C | Cloudy with passing rain | 10°C | NW 25–35 km/h | 60% |
| Fort Hope | ~5°C | Cloudy | 9°C | NW 30 km/h, gusts to 45 | 50% |
| Lansdowne House | ~3°C | Light flurries/showers mix | 7°C | NW 20–30 km/h | 60% |
| Ogoki Post | ~4°C | Cloudy, scattered drizzle | 8°C | NW 25–40 km/h | 60% |
| Nipigon | 5°C | Overcast, patchy drizzle | 10°C | W 20 km/h | 40% |
Most of the region is experiencing strong northwest flow, pushing colder air down from the north and maintaining below-average highs for early September. Humidity remains high, and with winds increasing, it will feel chillier than the thermometer suggests.
Weekend Outlook (September 6–7)
Saturday, September 6
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Conditions: A mix of sun and cloud across the region with 30% chance of showers in the afternoon (mainly near lakes or higher terrain).
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Highs:
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Kenora/Dryden/Sioux Lookout: 13–15°C
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Sandy Lake/Fort Hope/Ogoki: 12–14°C
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Nipigon/Lansdowne House: 10–13°C
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Winds: Lighter, from the west/northwest at 15–25 km/h
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Night: Clear to partly cloudy, lows between +3°C and +6°C
Sunday, September 7
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Conditions: Mostly sunny with increasing warmth across all zones.
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Highs:
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Kenora/Dryden: 16°C
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Sandy Lake/Nipigon: 15–17°C
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Fort Hope/Ogoki: 14–15°C
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Night: Mainly clear skies, with lows from +5°C to +8°C
Looking Ahead to Monday (September 8)
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Warming Trend Continues:
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Daytime highs reaching 18–21°C across most areas.
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Sunny to partly cloudy skies expected.
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Winds remain light, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities or travel.
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Night: Increasing cloud cover, but no major systems expected.
Wardrobe Recommendations
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Friday: Dress for wind and dampness — windproof jackets, water-resistant layers, and gloves or toques for early outings.
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Saturday: Layered clothing is your best bet. While mornings are chilly, the sun will warm things up by mid-day.
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Sunday & Monday: Transition to lighter fall wear — long sleeves, sweaters, and vests will keep you comfortable through the day.
Weather Trivia
Did You Know?
Sandy Lake and Fort Hope, located in more northern latitudes, typically see their first frost events before mid-September—sometimes even before Labour Day. That makes any sunny day above 15°C this time of year a bonus worth enjoying!
