Residents of Hay River should prepare for a shift in weather this week as Environment Canada forecasts rain transitioning to snow, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures.
Conditions are expected to change throughout Sunday, April 19, 2026. Rain is expected to begin in the morning, changing to snow mixed with rain by the afternoon. Winds are anticipated to pick up, reaching gusts of up to 50 km/h, which will lead to a wind chill of minus 18°C overnight. While the high for Sunday is expected to reach plus 4°C, residents should be aware that conditions will become much colder as the day progresses.
The cold snap is expected to continue through the week. Although sunny skies are forecast to return by Wednesday, April 22, temperatures will remain below the seasonal average. Overnight lows are expected to plunge to minus 11°C on Wednesday and reach minus 13°C by Thursday night.
These temperatures are notably cooler than the typical April climate for the community, which usually sees a daily high of 5°C and a low of minus 6°C. With the mix of precipitation and dropping temperatures, those traveling on local roads or the Mackenzie Highway may encounter variable driving conditions.
Located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, Hay River is familiar with rapid weather changes. While the town is accustomed to a subarctic climate, residents are encouraged to bundle up and prepare for the return of colder, winter-like conditions during the middle of the week.
