Residents in Swan River, Manitoba, should prepare for dangerous road conditions as a sudden drop in temperature is expected to turn afternoon rain into solid ice by Friday morning. The area saw unseasonably warm temperatures of +3°C on Thursday, February 5, 2026, leading to rain and melting snow that pooled on local streets and sidewalks. This water could freeze quickly as a cold front moves through the region overnight.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (forecast: https://weather.gc.ca/en/location/index.html?coords=52.109,-101.263), the temperature is forecast to fall to about -15°C by Friday morning. This rapid 18°C swing could create a layer of black ice across the community because the afternoon rain has washed away previous road salt and sand. High winds — with gusts forecast overnight — are also expected to blow through the valley, which will make freezing surfaces more hazardous.
Local officials are monitoring the situation to ensure public safety during the morning commute. The Town of Swan River has an Emergency Measures Plan in place, while drivers are encouraged to check for road closures or travel warnings through Manitoba 511 before leaving home. Major routes such as Provincial Trunk Highways (PTH) 10 and 83 are likely to be particularly slippery.
The Swan Valley School Division is also watching rural road conditions to decide if school buses can safely pick up students. CBC and other local reporting on past flash-freeze events have documented incidents where quick freezes led to vehicles sliding into ditches. Residents are advised to use extra caution on walkways and parking lots until maintenance crews can respond and apply sand or grit; check with the Town of Swan River or Manitoba 511 for the latest road and public-works updates.
