Residents of Arviat should prepare for dangerous winter conditions today, April 5, 2026, as Environment Canada reports extreme wind chills and blowing snow across the community.
The federal weather agency has flagged a serious risk of frostbite for anyone spending time outdoors. Wind chills are expected to reach minus 39 this morning and minus 31 this afternoon. With northwest winds gusting up to 60 km/h, blowing snow is also expected to create difficult conditions throughout the day.
The Environment Canada forecast indicates that these harsh conditions are a result of the ongoing arctic air mass impacting the region. As of 9:00 a.m. today, conditions at the Arviat Airport were already recording a temperature of minus 24.7 C with a wind chill of minus 39.
Local residents, who live along the western shore of Hudson Bay in the Kivalliq Region, are encouraged to limit their time outside and ensure all exposed skin is covered to prevent frostbite. According to federal health guidelines, the risk of frostbite increases rapidly when wind chill values drop below minus 27.
The severe weather is expected to remain in the area for the next couple of days, though conditions are projected to improve by Tuesday, April 7, when a mix of sun and cloud is expected and the daily high is forecast to reach minus 12 C.
