Winnipeg’s blizzard is over, but extreme cold remains with highs of -24°C, wind chills near -39°C, and frostbite risks. Sunny skies, but the Arctic freeze lingers!
Good morning, Winnipeg! The blizzard warnings are now behind us, but don’t put away those layers just yet. The Arctic chill has settled in, and it’s here to stay. With frigid wind chills, biting winds, and frostbite risks, the weather has one message for you: stay bundled up!
Current Conditions: A Clear but Bone-Chilling Start
As of 7:00 AM CST at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, it’s a mainly clear morning with a temperature of -24°C. But with a fierce north-northwest wind at 36 km/h, gusting to 48 km/h, the wind chill plummets to an icy -38. The barometric pressure is high at 102.9 kPa and rising, while the humidity sits at 65%. Visibility is excellent at 24 km, but with temperatures like these, you’ll want to think twice before heading out to enjoy the view.
Today’s Forecast: Frigid and Frosty
The sun will dominate the sky today, but it’s not doing much to warm us up. Temperatures will hold steady at -24°C throughout the day, and brisk northwest winds of 30 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h, will keep the wind chill hovering near a dangerous -39. At these levels, frostbite can develop in minutes, so make sure all exposed skin is covered if you’re venturing outdoors.
Tonight: A Deep Freeze You Won’t Forget
As the sun sets, the temperature drops even further. Expect a few scattered clouds tonight, with northwest winds easing slightly to 20 km/h. The overnight low will hit a staggering -28°C, but the wind chill will make it feel like an unbearable -41°C. With frostbite risks still high, this is not a night to skimp on winter wear.
Extended Forecast: The Cold Holds On
Sunday, January 19th, will bring more sunshine, but don’t expect it to bring warmth. Morning wind chills will hover around a shocking -41°C before easing slightly to -33°C in the afternoon. The high for the day will reach -22°C, with northwest winds at 20 km/h. Sunday night will be crystal clear but bitterly cold, with a low of -28°C.
Monday, January 20th, will continue the icy streak, with sunny skies and a high of -26°C. Overnight, temperatures plunge to an almost unbearable -33°C.
Tuesday, January 21st, offers more sunshine with a slightly “warmer” high of -21°C. However, clouds will increase overnight, bringing a 60% chance of flurries and a low of -21°C.
Historic Temperatures: January 18th
Winnipeg has seen it all on this date. The warmest January 18th on record reached a comparatively tropical 4.4°C, while the coldest dropped to a staggering -40.0°C. While today’s temperatures are bitter, it’s comforting to know it’s not quite record-breaking (but close enough to make us shiver).
Wardrobe Wisdom: Winnipeg Winter Survival
Dress like your life depends on it – because it does! Thermal base layers, a thick parka, windproof gloves, and a hat that covers your ears are non-negotiable. Add a scarf to protect your face from frostbite, and winter boots with warm socks to keep your toes intact. Remember, frostbite can happen in just a few minutes at these temperatures.
Winnipeg Weather Trivia
Did you know that Winnipeg’s nickname, “Winterpeg,” isn’t just for laughs? The city is one of the coldest major urban centers in the world, often seeing extended stretches of Arctic air like this one. Winnipeg also holds the record for the lowest wind chill ever recorded in Canada at a bone-crushing -57°C. Makes today’s -41°C seem almost balmy, doesn’t it?
