Thunder Bay – WEATHER DESK – A Rainfall Warning remains in effect this Friday morning across Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island as the region continues to experience steady rain. With frozen ground limiting water absorption, pooling and localized flooding are possible.
Rain will transition to snow near midday, followed by falling temperatures and icy roads. This evolving weather system marks a major shift into a snowy and colder weekend.
Friday’s Weather Overview
Current Conditions (as of 6:06 AM EST)
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Temperature: 2.7°C
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Conditions: Rain
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Wind: NE 13 km/h
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Visibility: 3 km
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Humidity: 99%
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Dew Point: 2.6°C
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Pressure: 99.3 kPa (Falling)
As of early Friday morning, rain is falling steadily, with a risk of thunderstorms. Winds are shifting northwest and will increase to 40 km/h with gusts up to 60 km/h. The temperature is expected to fall to -1°C by late afternoon, leading to rapid freezing of surfaces. Wind chills will drop to -9°C, increasing the risk of icy sidewalks and roads.
⚠️ YELLOW RAINFALL WARNING IN EFFECT
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Rainfall Total: 20–40 mm
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Transition to Snow: Near midday
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Hazards:
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Flooding in low-lying areas
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Slippery roads as temperatures drop
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Thunderstorms possible in the early morning
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Risk of washouts near rivers and culverts
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⚠️ Icy conditions are expected later today — take extra caution on untreated surfaces.
Overview Weekend Forecast
Expected Conditions (Saturday through Monday)
Saturday, January 10
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Day: Cloudy, with snow beginning in the afternoon
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High: -3°C (steady through the day)
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Snowfall: ~2 cm
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Wind: East 20 km/h
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Wind Chill: -11 in the morning, -6 by afternoon
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Night: Periods of snow
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Low: -11°C
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Sunday, January 11
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Day: Cloudy with a 40% chance of snow
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High: -5°C
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Night: Cloudy periods with a 40% chance of flurries
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Low: -10°C
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Monday, January 12
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Day: 40% chance of flurries
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High: 0°C
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Night: 40% chance of flurries
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Low: -4°C
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Wardrobe Recommendations
With the switch from rain to snow and the sudden drop in temperature, plan your wardrobe carefully:
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Today: Waterproof gear for the rain this morning, followed by winter boots with traction and a warm winter coat for the colder, icy afternoon.
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Saturday–Sunday: Bundle up with insulated outerwear, gloves, hat, and scarves — wind chills will make it feel significantly colder.
Weather Trivia
Did you know?
A sharp temperature drop after heavy rainfall is a classic setup for “flash freeze” conditions, which can turn puddles into ice sheets within minutes. Sault Ste. Marie has experienced similar events, such as in January 2014, when a similar rain-to-snow transition led to dangerous driving conditions and power outages.
Overview
January 9, 2026: Sault Ste. Marie braces for rain turning to snow by midday with 20–40 mm of rain expected. A Yellow Rainfall Warning is in effect. Temperatures will fall below freezing this afternoon with icy roads likely. Full weekend forecast included.
