Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury are bracing for significant winter weather as a winter storm warning is activated, bringing the potential for hazardous travel conditions through March 6, 2025. Environment Canada has warned residents of both areas to stay prepared for snow, freezing rain, and rain.
Starting on the evening of March 4, 2025, and intensifying throughout Tuesday night, the storm is projected to bring total snowfall amounts ranging from 15 to 30 cm across southern and northern regions. Conditions are tricky, with some areas expected to see icy rain, particularly south of Highway 17, where temperatures hover just above freezing. The situation poses various risks, including travel disturbances and the possibility of icy roads.
According to Environment Canada, "Periods of light snow or rain, possibly mixed with freezing rain, will begin Tuesday and intensify Tuesday evening." The meteorological service is advising anyone needing to travel to reconsider their plans, as rapidly accumulating snow could create slippery surfaces and significantly reduce visibility on highways.
Current weather observations show Sault Ste. Marie is starting the day with temperatures at -0.9 degrees Celsius, humidity at 100%, and winds from the east-northeast at 15 km/h, leading to wind chills of -6 degrees Celsius. Sudbury's conditions mirror those of Sault Ste. Marie, with light snow and temperatures around -3 degrees Celsius, contributing to the overall atmospheric dampness.
By midweek, temperatures are expected to fluctuate as the front moves through, modifying the weather pattern. Forecasts predict daytime temperatures on March 5 reaching highs of 4 degrees Celsius for Sault Ste. Marie and 3 degrees Celsius for Sudbury, creating challenges for treating winter-related travel hazards. The warm air will bring the potential for rainfall, especially south of Highway 17, where significant rain accumulation could reach up to 15 mm alongside the snowfall.
Both the Sault Ste. Marie and the Sudbury areas are likely to see hazardous travel conditions materializing with cold temperatures returning late on March 5 and intensifying through March 6. The risk of freezing rain on March 5, especially for those near the rain-snow transition line, adds to the worrying forecast.
Beyond the immediate snow forecast, motorists are forewarned about possible delays and transportation issues due to the slippery roads, creating dangerous scenarios at intersections and curbs. Travel should be avoided if possible, especially during the forecasted peak of the storm.
For those planning to venture outside, safety measures are highly recommended. Warm clothing, waterproof boots, and layered attire are necessary, particularly for those needing to navigate icy surfaces, as environments transition from wet and slushy to frozen and slick.
Beyond March 6, temperatures are anticipated to take another plunge, dropping to below seasonal averages. Thursday will be cloudy with high chances of flurries as temperatures fluctuate between -6 and -10 degrees Celsius during the night. Residents can expect similar chilly conditions on Friday, March 8, with highs barely reaching above freezing and lows dipping to around -13 degrees Celsius.
The winter weather warning encapsulates more than just snowfall; it reflects the complexity of Ontario weather as it transitions from winter to spring. The arrival of warmer systems is unusual for March, and recent events have illuminated the variances arising from global climatic changes, resulting in significant weather patterns.
Like many parts of Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury face the challenges of unpredictable weather this March as temperatures swing and storms intermingle, creating dynamic patterns just when spring is expected to take hold. For now, it’s about bracing for one more blast of winter as travel advisories remain active and state agencies urge caution.