Sault Ste. Marie Weather Outlook: Snow and Bitter Cold

Why this matters: Residents should prepare for hazardous winter conditions, including potential for frostbite and difficult travel. Ensure you have adequate winter clothing and monitor weather updates.

The Sault Ste. Marie region is experiencing a typical dynamic winter weather pattern, characterized by lake effect and lake-enhanced snow. As a system moves across the Great Lakes, Friday will see generally light snowfall accumulations. The combination of lake effect activity and increasingly cold temperatures will keep skies mostly cloudy throughout the weekend. Sunday will feature a return to colder air as arctic high pressure builds over the region from the west. Looking ahead to early next week, arctic air will bring daytime highs stuck in the minus teens. The Polar Vortex is expected to bring the coldest temperatures.

What is lake effect snow?

**A: Lake effect snow is produced during cooler atmospheric conditions when cold air moves over relatively warm lake water. The warm water heats the lower layer of air, picking up water vapor which rises through the colder air above, eventually freezing and being deposited on the downwind shores.

How cold will it get?

**A: Overnight lows are expected to plummet to -16°C by Sunday, with daytime highs early next week remaining in the minus teens.

What is the Polar Vortex?

**A: The Polar Vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth's poles. It always exists, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter. When it weakens, it can send cold air southward into regions that usually experience milder temperatures.

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