Thunder Bay – Weather Desk – Fort Frances and the Rainy River District are dealing with a sharp mid-winter setup today: light snow, increasing northwest winds, and a Yellow Advisory for Blowing Snow that could make travel tough this afternoon and evening.
Conditions turn even harsher tonight as temperatures fall and wind chills drop into the -30s.
Today’s Weather Overview
Current Conditions (Fort Frances — 12:00 PM CST)
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Temperature: -18.4°C (Weather Focus: -18°C)
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Wind: NNW 13 km/h
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Wind Chill: -26
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Humidity: 73%
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Pressure: 101.2 kPa, rising
Yellow Advisory – Blowing Snow
Environment Canada has Fort Frances–Emo–Rainy River listed under a Yellow Advisory for Blowing Snow, signalling poor visibility is expected in blowing snow at times.
This afternoon and evening
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Periods of light snow ending this afternoon, then cloudy
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Blowing snow developing as winds increase
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Snow amount around 2 cm
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Wind becoming NW 30 km/h gusting to 50
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High: -17°C
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Wind chill sliding toward -31 this afternoon
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Risk of frostbite
Extended Weather Forecast
Expected Conditions (Next Three Days)
Tonight (Sun, Jan 18)
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Mainly cloudy with blowing snow this evening
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Wind NW 30 km/h gusting to 50
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Low: -26°C
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Wind chill near -38 overnight
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Risk of frostbite
Monday (Jan 19)
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Mix of sun and cloud, 30% chance of flurries in the afternoon
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Wind W 20 km/h gusting to 40
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High: -19°C
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Wind chill near -38 in the morning, -29 in the afternoon
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Risk of frostbite
Tuesday (Jan 20)
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Cloudy
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High: -18°C
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Night: Cloudy, low -21°C
Wardrobe Recommendations
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Today: Insulated parka, mitts, toque, and a neck warmer—wind chills in the -20s to -30s can bite quickly.
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This afternoon/evening: Add a windproof outer layer and consider eye protection if you’re in open areas during blowing snow.
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Tonight into Monday morning: Cover exposed skin and keep outdoor time short—wind chills in the -30s increase frostbite risk.
Weather Trivia
Blowing snow can be more disruptive than the snowfall itself. Even a light snowfall can create near-whiteout moments when strong winds pick up loose snow—especially on open highways and exposed rural stretches.
Weather Summary
Fort Frances weather forecast for January 18, 2026: Yellow Blowing Snow Advisory in effect with periods of light snow today and worsening visibility as northwest winds gust to 50 km/h. Bitter cold tonight with wind chills near -38 and frostbite risk, continuing into Monday.
