Thunder Bay – Weather Desk – Thunder Bay is starting Thursday under mostly cloudy skies and a stiff northwest wind, keeping the morning wind chill near -35 and setting the stage for an even colder night. This is the kind of cold that can feel “normal” for January in Northwestern Ontario—until the wind picks up and the risk level jumps fast. While no Environment Canada alerts are in effect for the City of Thunder Bay this morning, the forecast still highlights a risk of frostbite today and frostbite in minutes overnight as wind chills drop sharply.

Today’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions (Thunder Bay Airport – 7:00 AM EST)

A classic Lakehead deep-freeze morning:

• Temperature: -22.1°C

• Condition: Mostly Cloudy

• Wind: WNW 27 km/h, gusting 43 km/h

• Wind Chill: -35

• Pressure: 101.4 kPa, rising

• Humidity: 62% (dew point -27.5°C)

• Visibility: 24 km

That rising pressure often signals more stable weather ahead, but right now the wind is doing the damage, stripping heat quickly from exposed skin and making short outdoor tasks feel brutal.

What to watch for today

• Wind + cold = fast frostbite risk: Even when it’s not snowing hard, wind chills in the mid -30s can cause problems quickly if skin is exposed.

• Brief bursts of flurries: They won’t add up to much, but they can reduce contrast on roads and sidewalks, especially with blowing snow in gusts.

Extended Weather Forecast

Expected Conditions (Next Three Days)

Thursday, January 22 (Today)

• Sky: A mix of sun and cloud

• Flurries: 40% chance

• Wind: Northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50

• High: -21°C

• Wind chill: near -35

• Note: Risk of frostbite

Tonight

• Sky: Partly cloudy, 40% chance of flurries early this evening

• Wind: Northwest 30 km/h gusting to 50

• Low: -30°C

• Wind chill: -35 this evening, near -43 overnight

• Note: Frostbite in minutes overnight

Friday, January 23

• Sky: Sunny

• Wind: Northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40

• High: -23°C

• Wind chill: -42 in the morning, improving to about -34 in the afternoon

• Note: Frostbite in minutes

Saturday, January 24

• Sky: Sunny

• High: -20°C

• Night: Cloudy periods, -25°C

Sunday, January 25

• Sky: A mix of sun and cloud

• High: -16°C

• Night: Cloudy periods, -27°C

Trend into early next week

Temperatures moderate slightly (still winter-cold), with highs around the mid-teens below zero by Sunday through midweek and a return to cloud and a chance of snow later.

Wardrobe Recommendations

With wind chills dropping into the -40s tonight, dress like you might be stuck outside longer than planned.

• Base layer: thermal top and bottom (moisture-wicking helps you stay warm)

• Mid layer: fleece or wool for insulation

• Outer layer: windproof winter coat (wind protection is the difference-maker today)

• Hands: mitts beat gloves in this cold; use liners if you’ll be outside more than a few minutes

• Face and neck: scarf, neck gaiter, or balaclava—cover cheeks and nose

• Feet: insulated boots + warm socks (avoid tight boots—tight = colder)

• For drivers: keep extra mitts/hat/blanket in the vehicle—cold problems get serious fast when you’re stranded even briefly.

Cold-Weather Safety for Pets and Livestock

Even without an official alert in the city, -35 to -43 wind chills can be dangerous for animals.

Dogs

• Shorten walks: quick bathroom breaks only when wind chills are extreme.

• Protect paws: ice buildup between toes can hurt; wipe and check feet after every outing.

• Use layers if needed: small, short-haired, young, or older dogs may need a coat.

• Watch behaviour: shivering, lifting paws, refusing to walk, or trying to turn back are signs it’s too cold.

Cats

• Keep cats indoors during deep cold and wind chills.

• If you help community/stray cats, provide a dry, wind-sheltered spot (draft-free shelter, dry bedding) and check it daily.

Livestock

• Windbreaks matter: block northwest wind with shelter, tree lines, or fencing.

• Keep bedding deep and dry: animals lose heat fast to frozen ground.

• Water access is critical: check waterers more often—frozen or slushy water means dehydration risk rises.

• Extra energy needs: in prolonged cold, animals burn more calories maintaining body heat; monitor body condition and feeding plans.

Weather Trivia

Thunder Bay is no stranger to serious wind chill. In Environment and Climate Change Canada’s 1991–2020 climate normals, the city averages about 2.4 days in January with wind chill below -40, and the extreme January wind chillin that dataset reaches about -54 (with a notable event dated January 31, 1996).

Weather Overview

Thunder Bay stays locked in Arctic cold on Jan. 22, 2026: mostly cloudy, gusty northwest winds, flurries possible, and wind chills near -35 today dropping to about -43 overnight. Full multi-day forecast, frostbite risk guidance, wardrobe tips, and pet/livestock cold safety.