Sault Ste. Marie is bracing for some unpredictable weather as winter settles firmly across the region. According to Jerry Shields' latest forecast, today started with light snow, which is expected to mix with rain and continue until early afternoon before giving way to clouds. There’s also a risk of freezing rain early this morning, adding to the challenging conditions.
The snowfall forecast for today is about two centimeters, accompanied by southwest winds moving at 30 km/h, gusting up to 60. This combination yields high temperatures of plus 3 degrees Celsius, but the UV index will remain low at 2. Cloud cover will persist, with about 40 percent chance of drizzle or flurries transitioning to flurries after midnight tonight. The low tonight is expected to drop to minus 3 degrees, with wind chill factors making it feel like minus 9 overnight.
Looking forward, the weather remains less than tranquil. Starting tomorrow, the region will see cloudy conditions with flurries likely changing to rain showers as the temperature hovers around plus 1 degree Celsius for the afternoon. Wind conditions will gradually ease from northwest at 30 km/h to lighter breezes later on, but the wind chill will hover around minus 10 degrees, particularly during the morning hours.
By the end of the week, the forecast suggests significant shifts as cold fronts move through. Local meteorologists expect cloudy days with chances of flurries, and temperatures will sharply dip to minus 7 degrees on some days. The forecast also predicts some cloudiness to persist, with lows reaching down to minus 20, especially under clearer skies. One more factor to watch is the risk of significant snow accumulation anticipated later this week.
On the advisory front, Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for communities north of Sault Ste. Marie, which is expected to last from Sunday night through Monday morning. The agency warns local snowfall accumulations could range between 8 to 15 cm affecting areas like Searchmont, Batchawana Bay, Montreal River Harbour, and parts of Lake Superior Provincial Park. Motorists are alerted to anticipate reduced visibility during heavy snow, particularly as conditions worsen this evening near Lake Nipigon.
“Snow, heavy at times, will begin this evening,” Environment Canada noted, which is likely to exacerbate hazardous winter driving conditions. To promote safety, drivers are encouraged to slow down, watch for taillights, maintain safe following distances, and turn on headlights if visibility decreases.
This weekend will usher in the warmest temperatures of 2025 for the Sault region, with forecasts showing highs reaching around 5 degrees Celsius on Monday. This abrupt shift signals the warmest weather since the week of Christmas, as the community needs to prepare for winter’s fickle nature. After Monday’s balmy highs, the region is set to return to colder temperatures again by Friday, dropping to daytime highs of minus 6 degrees Celsius.
Looking at the overall forecast for the next few days, Monday will likely feature mostly cloudy conditions. Morning snow will transition to drizzle or scattered showers, with the expected precipitation giving way by noon. The high reached later could be around plus 5 degrees. Tuesday follows suit with mix of sun and cloud, maintaining daytime highs of about plus 3 degrees. Midweek will feature cloudier skies with scattered flurries, and temperatures hovering near 2 degrees each day.
But as the week progresses, the much colder air is set to return, bringing with it the heightened likelihood of notable snow falls by next Friday. Residents are advised to plan accordingly, keeping an eye on changing conditions as both the snow and temperatures fluctuate. Weather enthusiasts, alongside the everyday traveler, will surely need to stay updated and flexible with their plans due to the forecast’s unpredictability.
Whatever quirks this winter may bring, Sault Ste. Marie is accustomed to adapting to the shifting weather patterns. Just as long as residents heed expert weather advice and the provided travel advisories, they will be well-equipped to navigate through the cold season.