Beausejour, Manitoba, is entering a period of unpredictable weather as a sudden warm spell follows a late January deep freeze, creating dangerous road conditions and potential drainage problems. This “February Thaw” is expected to see highs of up to 4°C this week, a sharp contrast to the extreme cold described by the New York Times on Jan. 23, 2026.
While the warmer air offers a break from the cold, Environment and Climate Change Canada and local authorities warn that rapid melting can produce “black ice” on commuter routes such as PTH 44 and PTH 12. Drivers should expect slippery surfaces as melting snow and slush refreeze overnight when temperatures drop back below freezing.
Local officials are also watching culverts and drains closely to prevent water from pooling on town streets and in residential yards. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) notes that freeze–thaw cycles can block drainage systems with solid ice, increasing the risk of localized flooding.
The warm spell is not expected to last: long-range models suggest a return of Arctic air by the second week of February (roughly Feb. 8–12). The Farmers’ Almanac’s extended forecast also indicates a return to deep freezes in early February. Provincial flood records and Manitoba’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre say the Brokenhead River is being monitored for early ice-jam potential — a known concern in years with similar rapid-thaw patterns.
