Residents in Arviat, Nunavut, are being asked to get ready for dangerous weather as a near blizzard is expected to start overnight on Sunday, March 8, 2026. This storm will bring a combination of blowing snow and extreme cold that will make it unsafe for people to be outdoors for very long.
The federal weather agency, Environment Canada, reports that periods of light snow will end on Sunday evening, but blowing snow and near-blizzard conditions will develop overnight and continue through Monday afternoon, March 9, 2026. Wind gusts are forecast to reach 50 kilometres per hour on Sunday night and could hit 60 kilometres per hour on Monday morning.
These high winds will blow snow around, which can hide landmarks and make it very difficult for people to see where they are going. This creates hazardous conditions for anyone travelling near the community, as visibility could drop significantly.
The cold will be a major danger, with wind chill values dropping as low as minus 48 overnight and into Monday morning. At these extreme temperatures, frostbite can happen to any exposed skin in only a few minutes, and there is a high risk of hypothermia.
People in the community should stay indoors as much as they can and wear heavy, windproof clothing if they have to go outside. It is also important to check for weather updates before trying to travel until the conditions improve.
