Northwest Territories

Hay River Expected to Warm Up After Cold Friday Snapshot

By

Emma Kelly
April 17, 2026 11:27 am

Residents of Hay River, Northwest Territories, can look forward to a significant warm-up this weekend as temperatures shift away from the frigid conditions felt on Friday. According to Environment Canada, the community will see milder weather move into the area following a cold snap that brought wind chills near -21 in the morning on April 17.

Saturday, April 18, is expected to be the warmest day of the forecast period with sunny skies and a high of 5°C. The trend of above-zero temperatures will continue into Sunday, April 19, which is forecast to reach 6°C, though residents should prepare for periods of rain throughout the day.

Current data recorded at the Hay River/Merlyn Carter Airport shows that local conditions are beginning to transition as the area moves toward seasonal averages for mid-April. While Friday morning started with light snow and temperatures at -10.1°C, there are currently no weather alerts or warnings in effect for the community.

This weekend’s shift to warmer temperatures sits near the historical climate normals for the region, where average April highs typically range between 2.6°C and 4°C. The forecast offers a welcome change from the colder start to the weekend, providing a break in the weather for those planning outdoor activities.

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