THUNDER BAY – WEATHER DESK – A dangerous blast of Arctic air is gripping Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) and the Big Trout Lake–Kasabonikaregion today.
Winding down the last day of 2025, it is under a Yellow Alert for extreme cold.
The real hazard is the wind: wind chill values of -40 to -45 are expected early this morning and may continue through the day, creating a high risk of frostbite on exposed skin within minutes.
Today’s Weather Overview
Current Conditions (Big Trout Lake Airport)
As of early Wednesday morning, conditions are light snow with the temperature near -24°C. Winds are NNW 32 km/h gusting 50 km/h, pushing the wind chill down to around -38 already, with visibility about 15 km. Humidity is 78%, and pressure is near 101.5 kPa.
Weather Alert
🟡 YELLOW WARNING – COLD (Impact: Moderate | Confidence: High)
What: Wind chills -40 to -45
When: Early this morning, possibly continuing through today (and in some areas into Thursday morning)
Main risk: Frostbite in minutes and increased risk of hypothermia—especially for children, seniors, people with health conditions, and anyone working outdoors.
Tomorrow’s Forecast
Expected Conditions (Next Three Days)
Today (Wed, Dec 31):
Mainly cloudy with a 30% chance of flurries. NW wind 40 km/h gusting 60. High near -25°C with wind chill near -43.
Tonight:
Partly cloudy with a 40% chance of flurries. Wind W 40 km/h gusting 60. Low near -28°C with wind chill near -44.
Thursday (Jan 1):
A mix of sun and cloud with a 40% chance of flurries. Wind W 40 km/h gusting 60. High near -22°C. Wind chill -45 in the morning, improving to around -37 in the afternoon.
Wardrobe Recommendations
This is “full protection” weather:
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Base layer: thermal top + bottom (wool or synthetic)
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Mid-layer: fleece or insulated sweater
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Outer layer: windproof parka + windproof snow pants
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Hands: insulated mitts (mitts beat gloves in this cold)
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Face: balaclava or neck warmer pulled up + hat that covers ears
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Feet: insulated winter boots + warm socks (avoid tight boots—tight = colder toes)
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For kids: check cheeks, ears, and fingers often—frostbite can happen quickly.
Safety Notes
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Limit time outdoors and take warm-up breaks.
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Watch for numbness, tingling, colour change, or pain in fingers/toes—go indoors and warm gradually.
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If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for pets.
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If travel is necessary, pack a winter kit (blanket, extra mitts, charger, food/water).
Weather Trivia
Wind chill isn’t the air temperature—it’s how fast the wind pulls heat away from your skin. That’s why -25°C with strong gusts can become -45 “feels like” weather, turning routine outdoor tasks into a serious risk.
Summary
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake–Kasabonika) weather for Dec. 31, 2025: Yellow Cold Warning with extreme wind chills of -40 to -45 and gusty winds up to 60 km/h. Frostbite can occur in minutes; flurries possible today and tonight.
