Look, North Bay, it's winter, and today is another one of those days where your lungs are going to feel it, and your joints are going to thank you for a proper warm-up, or curse you for skipping it.
- Brutal Cold: That -12.6°C temperature? It feels more like -19°C out there, which is straight-up dangerous for exposed skin and your respiratory system if you go out unprepared.
- Moderate Air Quality: The AQI is clocking in at 73 with Ozone as the dominant pollutant. It's not the apocalypse, but it's enough to irritate sensitive lungs, especially when combined with the biting cold.
- Variable Trail Conditions: While the North Bay Nordic trails were getting groomed as of yesterday, expect soft snow and potential icy patches underneath. That fresh powder from the forecasted light snow today might look inviting, but it can hide a multitude of ankle-twisting sins.
- Low Pollen: At least we don't have to deal with sneezing and wheezing on top of everything else. Silver lining, I guess.
Today's Breakdown
| Pollen Level | AQI | Dominant Pollutant | Temperature (C) | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 73 | Ozone | -12.6 | Clear |
Don't Be a Frostbite Statistic
Seriously, folks. That "feels like -19°C" isn't just a number to shrug off. Exposed skin can get frostbite fast. Think about your ears, nose, fingers, and toes. I've seen enough runners come in with questionable looking digits because they thought a light pair of gloves would cut it on a day like this. It won't.
Extreme Cold Warning: Frostbite Risk is High
With a 'feels like' temperature nearing -20°C, frostbite can occur in minutes on exposed skin. Cover everything. No exceptions.
Even if the sun's out, which it is today, that doesn't make the air any warmer. Your lungs are working overtime just to heat that air before it hits your bronchi. If you've got any kind of respiratory issues, or even if you don't, slow down and consider an indoor workout. Or at least wrap a buff high over your face.
Trails Are a Minefield (of Snow and Ice)
If you're hitting the North Bay Nordic trails, bless your heart. You're probably going to be breaking trail through some soft stuff if it snows as expected today, and there's always the underlying ice to contend with this time of year. That last update from the Nordic Club mentioned still snowing yesterday, and while they're grooming, it's not a magic wand against fresh accumulation or previous icy layers. The Kate Pace Way, while paved, will undoubtedly have sections of packed snow and black ice. Assume every shaded patch is pure glare ice. Your knees and ankles will thank you for wearing proper traction—think microspikes, not just your worn-out road shoes.
Watch Your Step: Icy & Soft Trail Conditions
Trails, especially the less-trafficked ones or those under fresh snow, likely have uneven and icy patches. Traction control is not optional.
Listen to Your Body, Not Just Your Strava Splits
This isn't the day to try and PR your long run. The moderate AQI, even if not critically high, combined with the bitter cold means your body is already under more stress than usual. Keep your runs shorter, stay closer to home, and if you feel any burning in your chest, take it as a sign to pack it in. There's no shame in moving your workout indoors when Mother Nature is actively trying to freeze your snot.
Layer Up & Warm Up Properly
Multiple thin layers are key. Don't forget a windproof outer shell. A dynamic warm-up indoors will prepare your muscles and joints for the cold shock.
Stay safe out there, North Bay. Or, you know, just stay warm inside.
Data grounded with Google Search from February 26, 2026.