Environment Canada updated its forecast for Banff, Alberta, on January 25, 2026, predicting a shift to warmer daytime temperatures and fewer flurries. The update ends the recent period of extreme cold but creates new hazards — including black ice and slippery roads — as daytime highs reach near freezing by January 31, 2026.
Clear skies and cold nights are expected to continue through the week, according to The Weather Network, producing a freeze–thaw cycle where ice melts during the day and refreezes at night, making sidewalks and streets difficult to navigate. Drivers can check road reports through Alberta 511 as Alberta Transportation and Parks Canada manage conditions on the Trans-Canada Highway and the Icefields Parkway.
The warming trend is also a priority for Avalanche Canada and Parks Canada safety teams who monitor mountain slopes in the area. As the air warms, the snowpack can become less stable, which may increase the risk of certain types of slides. Officials are watching these changes closely to keep backcountry users and mountain travelers safe during the transition.
Within the town, the Town of Banff uses a winter maintenance policy that shifts from sanding to de-icing agents when temperatures rise above -10°C; this approach helps clear ice from walkways and roads during these temperature swings. Residents should remain cautious of slippery patches as the thaw begins.
