Environment Canada is reporting a significant increase in snowfall for January as the Kenora area received a total of 46.2cm throughout the month, well above the average of 28.4cm.
A recent Alberta Clipper was a large factor in snowfall totals as the region received 18cm over a 30-hour time frame between Monday and Tuesday. The forecasted total was originally anticipated between 10 and 15cm.
"What we've been seeing for Northwestern Ontario has been system after system crossing the area, which adds up to the snowfall totals. Temperature-wise, the cold arctic air is descending down from the back edge of the recent storms. It's an unfortunate combination," says Environment Canada Meteorologist Steven Flisfeder.
The region is currently under an extreme cold warning as windchill values will hover around the -40 degree celcius mark.
"January was on the colder side. Anyone would say the same thing. It was about four degrees below the average day time high for the Kenora area," he says.
But Flisfeder is optimistic that a warm front will arrive shortly.
"This week is definitely going to be on the colder side, unfortunately. But early next week, we should experience above normal daytime temperatures," he says.
The forecast for next week is welcome as Monday, the region should experience temperatures between -2 and -7 celcius, which is well above the -10 degree average.
Residents will have the chance to enjoy milder temperatures, but it is looking like a return to the below normal temperatures into the third or fourth week of February.