Residents of Igloolik, Nunavut, are seeing a break from life-threatening temperatures as air temperatures are forecast to rise toward -30 C between March 1 and March 3, 2026. This shift follows a period of extreme cold where wind chills reached dangerous levels between -55 C and -60 C.
While the weather is moderating, a yellow cold advisory remains in effect for the community. According to Environment Canada, current wind chills of approximately -44 C are still cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin within minutes.
The move toward warmer air is bringing new challenges, including northwest winds gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour and blowing snow. These conditions can create poor visibility for hunters and travelers who rely on snowmobiles to move between the island and the mainland.
Since Igloolik is located on an island in the Foxe Basin, the community is highly dependent on the sea ice for traditional activities. Residents are being advised to plan outdoor work for the warmest hours of the day and to stay updated on advisories from the local airport and the Hamlet of Igloolik.
Typical temperatures for early March in the region usually stay between -27 C and -36 C. The recent extreme cold has put extra pressure on the local power grid managed by the Qulliq Energy Corporation, and residents are encouraged to continue monitoring their home heating fuel levels as the weather remains unpredictable.
