From Muggy Mornings to May Flurries? Dryden and Vermilion Bay Gear Up for a Weather Rollercoaster

DRYDEN – WEATHER REPORT – The muggy, smoky days of early May are giving way to a new round of weather challenges in Dryden and Vermilion Bay. The Victoria Day Long Weekend forecast reads more like a spring sampler platter, serving up everything from thunderstorms and showers today and tomorrow to the unsettling chance of snow showers Saturday night—yes, your May long weekend may end with a side of frost.

Currently at Dryden Airport, the thermometer reads a mild 16.2°C under cloudy skies. Humidity is sitting at 83%, with a damp, heavy feel in the air, and the dew point is 13.3°C. Winds are from the east at 11 km/h, and visibility is holding at 16 km. Barometric pressure is at 100.3 kPa and steady for now, but all signs point to an active day ahead.

The Forecast: From Stormy to Shivery

Today will be mainly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and the risk of thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Winds will stiffen from the east at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, pushing in the moisture. The high will reach 24°C, feeling closer to 26°C with the humidex. The UV index will register moderate at 5.

Tonight will remain unsettled with mainly cloudy skies and a 40 percent chance of showers early in the evening, turning to more persistent showers later. There is also a risk of a thunderstorm lingering overnight. Winds will remain brisk from the southeast at 40 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, before easing slightly after midnight. The low will settle at 12°C.

Friday will bring widespread showers under overcast skies. Winds will continue from the east at 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h, and temperatures will peak at 17°C. The UV index will be low at 2, thanks to the persistent clouds and rain. Friday night will see showers taper to a 40 percent chance under cloudy skies, and temperatures will dive to just 1°C—raising concerns for a potential frost.

Saturday will deliver the weekend’s weather whiplash. Expect a mix of sun and cloud with a 40 percent chance of rain showers, possibly mixing with flurries. The high will struggle to reach 9°C, and by Saturday night, the mercury will dip below freezing to -1°C.

Sunday will remain on the cool side, with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 10°C, but conditions will slowly begin to dry out into the evening. The night will stay cloudy with a low of 1°C.

Victoria Day Monday finally brings some good news—sunshine returns with a high of 19°C, providing a pleasant end to an otherwise blustery and frosty long weekend. Monday night will see cloudy periods with a more seasonal low of 6°C.

Outdoor Plans? Be Flexible and Pack Layers

Outdoor adventurers should prepare for a damp and chilly start to the long weekend, with umbrellas needed Thursday and Friday and the heavier coats coming out by Saturday. Campers and cottagers should also prepare for the possibility of frost and flurries Saturday night. Thankfully, Monday promises a much more classic long weekend vibe—sunshine and temperatures climbing back toward 20°C.

Dryden Weather Trivia

Did you know? Dryden’s spring weather is infamous for serving up all four seasons within a 72-hour span. May 2016 saw the region experience 30°C heat, followed by snow two days later. This year’s long weekend looks set to follow that quirky tradition.