Arctic Blast Keeps Winnipeg in the Deep Freeze
Winnipeg remains under an Extreme Cold Warning as an Arctic air mass blankets southern Manitoba. With temperatures at -31.3°C and wind chills reaching a bone-chilling -43°C, even the toughest Manitobans are feeling the freeze. Observations from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport at 5:00 AM CST show partly cloudy skies, a humidity of 73%, and light westerly winds at 14 km/h. Visibility remains excellent at 24 km, but that’s little consolation when frostbite can occur within minutes.
Thursday Forecast: Bitterly Cold and Unforgiving
Today will be sunny, but don’t expect any warmth. Winds up to 15 km/h will keep the high at a frigid -25°C, with wind chill values ranging from -41 in the morning to -33 in the afternoon. Exposed skin is at risk, so bundle up if you must venture out.
Thursday Night
Clear skies and light winds will make for an even colder night. The low will plunge to -33°C, with wind chills dipping to a teeth-chattering -43 this evening, improving slightly to -38 overnight.
Weekend Outlook: Gradual Relief
Friday
The Arctic grip begins to loosen slightly as sunny skies prevail. Winds will shift, becoming southerly at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h. Temperatures will rise to -16°C, though morning wind chills will still feel like -38, improving to -27 in the afternoon. Friday night will see cloudy periods and a low of -13°C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud greets the weekend, along with a high of -9°C. Nighttime temperatures will hold steady around -9°C under partly cloudy skies.
Sunday
Sunday offers further relief, with highs climbing to -5°C under a mix of sun and cloud. The night will remain cloudy, with a low near -7°C.
Extreme Cold Safety Tips
- Dress in layers: Your outer layer should be wind-resistant. Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
- Keep emergency supplies in your car: Blankets, water, and jumper cables are essential.
- Stay active: Movement helps maintain body heat, but take breaks to warm up indoors.
- Protect pets: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
Historic High and Low for December 12
Winnipeg’s warmest December 12 was in 1913, when the mercury climbed to 5.6°C. The coldest? A numbing -39.7°C in 1976. Today’s temperatures certainly echo the latter, and the wind chill adds an extra layer of intensity.
Weather Trivia: Why Do Arctic Winds Feel So Harsh?
Cold air is denser and carries less moisture, which amplifies its cutting effect. When paired with wind, the resulting chill rapidly saps body heat, making frostbite a common risk.
