Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Yellow cold warning for Beaumont, Alberta (issued 4:31 AM MST Friday 23 January 2026), as Arctic air brings wind chill values near −40 to −45°C overnight. The warning is in effect for Beaumont and nearby communities and is expected to continue through the night and into the morning hours, creating hazardous conditions for anyone outdoors.
Environment Canada warns the extreme cold puts everyone at risk; at wind chill values around −40 to −45°C, exposed skin can freeze in roughly 5–10 minutes. The warning is part of the government’s new colour-coded alert system (Yellow, Orange, Red) designed to help residents understand the severity and potential impacts of weather events—Environment Canada lists the Yellow warning’s Impact Level as ‘Moderate.’
Alberta Health Services recommends dressing in several insulating layers with a wind-resistant outer layer and covering exposed skin. Pet owners are urged to bring animals indoors when possible; as Environment Canada notes, “If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.” For animals that must go out, limit outdoor time to brief relief only and check paws for salt and ice buildup.
To prepare for the deep freeze, residents should plug in vehicle block heaters ahead of driving (commonly advised to plug in 2–4 hours before use, with many sources recommending about three to four hours in very cold conditions) and keep emergency kits with blankets and jumper cables in their cars. Homeowners are advised to ensure furnace vents are clear of snow and ice, keep thermostats at a steady temperature to help prevent pipes from freezing, and make sure their heating systems are operating efficiently.
Residents can find the latest safety updates and local information through the Alberta Emergency Alert website or mobile app. For more details on how the cold is measured and how quickly frostbite can develop, consult the Government of Canada Wind Chill Index and Environment and Climate Change Canada weather alerts.
