Residents in Hay River, Northwest Territories, can expect a shift in weather as a light snowfall follows a period of extreme cold on March 10, 2026. According to Environment Canada, about 2 centimetres of snow is expected to begin falling near midnight on Tuesday.
The upcoming snow marks a change from the deep freeze conditions seen earlier in the day. On Tuesday morning, the local airport recorded a temperature of -28.4°C with a wind chill making it feel like -35.
The Town of Hay River monitors these weather changes closely because of the community’s history with spring ice breakups. While 2 centimetres of snow is a small amount, any new precipitation is tracked by local officials to help prepare for the annual river breakup season.
Hay River has experienced several major floods caused by ice jams, including events in 1963, 2008, 2009, and 2020. A particularly catastrophic flood in 2022 led to a community-wide evacuation and significant damage to property.
The Government of Northwest Territories and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation also watch these weather patterns to manage flood risks for the region. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather alerts and river ice reports as the community moves toward the spring season.
