January 22, 2026: Far North Ontario Weather Report — Orange Cold Warnings from Sandy Lake to Fort Severn

January 22, 2026

THUNDER BAY – WEATHER DESK – An Arctic airmass has a firm grip on Far Northern Ontario today, and it’s not just the thermometer that’s harsh — it’s the wind. Several communities are under an Orange Cold Warning as wind chills push into the -40 to -48 range, creating a serious risk of frostbite in minutes.

These conditions are dangerous for outside activities.

Tonight’s Weather Overview

Current Conditions

Here’s how conditions are shaping up across the region Thursday evening (latest available observations):

Sandy Lake: Light snow, -30.8°C with wind chill -44, WNW wind gusting into the low 30s km/h range.
KI (Big Trout Lake / Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug): Clear, -30.5°C with wind chill -41, NW wind around 13 km/h.
Wasaho Cree Nation (Fort Severn): Partly cloudy, -30.9°C with wind chill -40, light west wind.
Sachigo Lake: Environment Canada’s Sachigo Lake–Bearskin Lake forecast region is under an Orange Cold Warning; the nearest reporting station shown on the regional page is Big Trout Lake Airport, reporting -30.5°Cand wind chill -41 at the time of the latest update.
Marten Falls (Otomi) area: The Ogoki / Fort Hope–Lansdowne House–Ogoki corridor is included in the same deep-freeze pattern. A nearby observation at Lansdowne House Airport shows light snow and -29.6°C with wind chill -41.

Orange Cold Warning

An Orange Cold Warning means conditions are dangerous for anyone outdoors for more than a short time, especially with wind. In this pattern, the biggest threat isn’t snowfall — it’s the combination of bitter air and enough wind to drive wind chills into the mid-to-high -40s overnight and early morning.

Extended Forecast: For the Next Three Days

Tonight

Sachigo Lake – Bearskin Lake: Partly cloudy, 30% chance of flurries, low -32°C; wind chill -46 overnight.
Marten Falls (Otomi) / Ogoki corridor: Partly cloudy with 30% chance of flurries, low near -31°C; wind chills pushing into the mid-to-high -40s overnight across the corridor.
Sandy Lake: A few clouds, low -33°C; wind chill down to -47 overnight.
KI (Big Trout Lake): Partly cloudy with 30% chance of flurries, low -32°C; wind chill -48 overnight.
Fort Severn: Clear early, then partly cloudy with 30% chance of flurries late; low -32°C with wind chill -46 overnight.

Friday, January 23

Sunshine helps a little, but it won’t feel like it.

Sachigo Lake region: Mainly sunny, high -26°C; wind chill -46 in the morning.
Marten Falls (Otomi) region: Mixed sun/cloud (local flurry risk), high in the mid -20s; wind chills remain severe in the morning.
Sandy Lake: Mainly sunny, high -26°C; morning wind chill -47.
KI (Big Trout Lake): Mainly sunny, high -26°C; wind chill -48 in the morning.
Fort Severn: Mainly cloudy early, then clearing; high -27°C; wind chill -46 in the morning.

Weekend Snapshot

The deep cold persists through the weekend, with only minor day-to-day changes:

Sandy Lake area: Highs -25 to -24; lows -32 to -28.
Big Trout Lake – Sachigo Lake zone: Highs -25 to -24; lows -33 to -28, with periods of cloud and occasional light snow chances.
Fort Hope – Webequie – Ogoki (Marten Falls region): Highs around -23 to -22; lows -34 to -32.
Fort Severn: Highs -27 to -26; lows -32 to -30, with periodic snow chances.

Cold-Weather Safety

Keep outdoor time short when wind chills drop below -40. Plan errands, warm-up breaks, and a “get inside fast” option.
Dress for wind, not just temperature: windproof outer layer, insulated boots, mitts, and full face coverage.
Vehicle readiness: blanket(s), booster cables, charged phone, a shovel, and a full tank are a smart baseline in this kind of cold.
Watch for cold-stress warning signs (numbness, skin colour changes, unusual weakness), and head indoors early.

Pet and Livestock Safety During an Orange Cold Warning

Dogs and Cats

If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Keep pets indoors as much as possible, and make bathroom breaks short and supervised.
Protect paws: snow can pack between toes, and road salt can irritate. Wipe paws after walks; consider booties if your pet tolerates them.
Warm sleeping spot: away from doors and drafts; older pets and short-haired breeds need extra warmth.
Food and water: pets burn more energy staying warm. Ensure fresh water isn’t freezing (heated bowls help if power-safe and monitored).

Livestock

Windbreak + dry bedding is critical. Even hardy animals struggle when wind chill stays extreme overnight.
Water access: check heaters and lines often—dehydration risk climbs when animals reduce drinking due to freezing equipment.
Increase feed as needed: animals use more calories in prolonged cold; work with your usual husbandry guidance for safe adjustments.
Daily checks: look for animals lagging behind, shivering, or isolating, and separate them for shelter if needed.

Wardrobe Recommendations

This is full “Northern deep-freeze” gear:

Thermal base layer + fleece/wool mid-layer + windproof parka
Insulated snow pants for longer outdoor time
Balaclava or neck gaiter + toque (cover skin)
Mitts over gloves, and insulated winter boots rated for extreme cold

Weather Trivia

At -40°, Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same number — and with wind chills hovering near -45, this is very close to that notorious crossover point.