Police Urge Caution on Hazardous Roads
Thunder Bay – WEATHER – Thunder Bay is heading into another difficult stretch of winter weather, and both forecasters and police are urging people to take it seriously. Environment Canada has a Yellow Snowfall Warning in effect for the city, with 10 to 20 centimetres of snow expected from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning. At the same time, the Thunder Bay Police Service says snow, ice, and reduced visibility are already creating hazardous driving conditions across local roads.
Today’s Weather Overview
Current Conditions
As of 8:00 AM EDT Thursday, April 2, Thunder Bay was sitting at -2°C under mostly cloudy skies. The wind was from the east-northeast at 22 km/h, gusting to 33 km/h, producing a wind chill of -8. Pressure was 102.6 kPa and falling, a sign that the next system was moving in.
Environment Canada says the day will stay cloudy, with a 30 percent chance of flurries this morning and early this afternoon before snow and local blowing snow begin later in the day. Daytime accumulation is expected to reach 2 to 4 cm, with a high of -2°C.
Tomorrow’s Forecast
Expected Conditions
The worst of the weather is expected tonight. Environment Canada is calling for snow at times heavy and local blowing snow, with 10 to 15 cm tonight alone. Winds will strengthen from the northeast, and reduced visibility is likely in heavier bursts. The low will fall to -5°C, with a wind chill near -10.
By Friday, snow is expected to continue into the morning before tapering off near midday. Another 2 cm is possible before conditions improve later in the day. Friday’s high should reach 0°C, though the morning will still feel closer to -11with the wind chill.
The unsettled pattern does not end there. Periods of snow remain in the forecast for Friday night and Saturday, before a brighter and milder day returns on Sunday with a high near 5°C.
Public Safety Advisory: Weather and Road Conditions
Thunder Bay Police say current weather conditions have significantly impacted local roadways, with snow, ice, and reduced visibility creating hazardous driving conditions across the city.
Police are reminding residents that if travel is necessary, they should:
- slow down and adjust driving to conditions
- maintain a safe following distance
- stay alert and allow extra time for the trip
The police service also issued a collision reporting reminder. If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision with no injuries, police are asking that the incident be reported online through the collision reporting system. That helps keep emergency lines open for urgent situations.
Travel Outlook
Thursday afternoon through Friday morning looks like the most dangerous window for travel. Roads and walkways will likely become difficult to navigate as snow piles up, and visibility may drop quickly in heavier snow and blowing snow.
For Thunder Bay drivers, this is a storm where patience matters. Give yourself extra time, expect slower traffic, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions on city streets, Highway 11/17, ramps, bridges, and untreated roads.
Wardrobe Recommendations
Winter gear remains essential. A heavy coat, gloves, hat, and insulated boots are the right call today and tonight. Waterproof outerwear is a good idea as the snow intensifies, especially for anyone commuting, shovelling, or walking to work or school.
Weather Trivia
Thunder Bay often gets one more strong blast of winter in early April. Even after the calendar turns to spring, Colorado lows can still sweep across Northwestern Ontario and deliver heavy snow, gusty winds, and sharp travel impacts before milder weather finally wins out.
Summary: Thunder Bay weather update for April 2, 2026: a Yellow Snowfall Warning remains in effect Thursday night, with 10 to 20 cm expected by Friday morning, poor visibility, drifting snow, and hazardous travel.
