As of March 4, 2026, the community of Arviat, Nunavut, is facing dangerously low temperatures as Environment Canada issued a yellow warning for extreme cold. The alert comes as the region experiences wind chill values reaching between -55 and -60, creating a high risk for frostbite.
Weather conditions at the Arviat Airport on Wednesday morning showed air temperatures of -37°C accompanied by blowing snow. Wind speeds were recorded at 40 km/h with gusts reaching up to 60 km/h, which has significantly reduced visibility for local residents.
Federal officials are advising people to prioritize safety by staying indoors and dressing in appropriate layers if they must go outside. The extreme cold and high winds are expected to persist through Wednesday night, impacting travel and outdoor activities throughout the Kivalliq Region.
The severe conditions are caused by wind gusts coming off Hudson Bay, which often result in ground blizzards even when there is no new snow falling. Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather updates until conditions are expected to improve by the middle of the week.
