People living in Igloolik, Nunavut, are facing a dangerous cold snap that could cause frostbite in just a few minutes. Environment Canada issued a warning in January 2026 that wind chill values were expected to drop to about −40°C to −42°C for the community.
Strong winds are making the cold much more dangerous, with gusts forecast to reach as high as 60 km/h. Under those wind‑chill values, exposed skin can freeze within minutes — Environment Canada and regional safety guidance describe “frostbite in minutes” for these conditions — so residents are being urged to stay indoors whenever possible and to cover exposed skin if they must go outside.
The Hamlet is monitoring municipal services: local officials have said trucked services (water and sewage) are sometimes suspended during extreme cold to protect drivers and equipment, and that could occur if conditions worsen. There are also infrastructure concerns: a recent building‑condition assessment for Ataguttaaluk Elementary School identified 127 issues, including a number of critical items, which leave the aging buildings more vulnerable during extreme weather and could make it harder to maintain indoor heat during severe wind events.
The Igloolik Health Centre is advising residents to watch for signs of frostbite — such as numbness or skin that looks waxy or pale — and to seek medical help if they suspect frostbite. Hunters and other people travelling on the land are being urged to check local community weather stations (the Cryologger network used in Igloolik) before heading out and to carry satellite tracking or communication devices (InReach/SPOT) for safety.
If homes lose heat, the community hall and the hamlet office have historically been used as emergency warming centres. Safety guidance from the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission also warns that equipment can be prone to failure in extreme cold; for example, some safety harness standards and other gear are only tested down to about −35°C, so employers and workers should take extra precautions when operating equipment in deeply cold conditions.
