On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Environment Canada issued a cold warning and a winter storm watch for Arviat, Nunavut. Residents are being told to prepare for dangerous wind chills and poor visibility that could make travel nearly impossible.
Wind chill values are expected to drop to near -55, which is the official limit for issuing cold alerts in this part of the territory. At these temperatures, frostbite can happen to exposed skin within just a few minutes.
Strong winds from the northwest are gusting between 50 and 60 kilometres per hour, creating blowing snow that may reduce visibility to zero at times. These blizzard conditions are expected to last through Tuesday morning and continue until the middle of the week when winds are forecast to slow down.
The national colour-coded alert system currently lists Arviat under a yellow status, meaning there is a moderate risk for local disruptions. Officials warn that power outages and property damage are possible during this storm.
Residents are encouraged to avoid any travel that is not necessary and to keep pets indoors. It is also recommended to check on neighbours and ensure that home plumbing is protected from the freezing conditions.
