Residents in Morden, Manitoba, will have a chance to see the bright “Snow Moon” light up the night sky this weekend, though experts warn of dangerously cold temperatures. The second full moon of 2026 will appear large to the eye on Saturday, Jan. 31 (about 99% illuminated) and fully lit on Sunday, Feb. 1.
According to EarthSky, the moon will reach its peak illumination on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at 4:09 p.m. CST (22:09 UTC). Best local viewing should begin at moonrise Sunday evening — roughly 5:12–5:15 p.m. CST, depending on exact location — especially from higher ground such as the Pembina Hills or from the shores of Lake Minnewasta.
The Weather Network has flagged a possible “window of opportunity” for clearer skies around the event, while Environment Canada’s local forecast for Morden shows a sun-and-cloud mix but warns a cold snap will bring overnight lows near −25°C. Environment Canada has also issued notices that wind-chill values could make it feel as cold as about −40°C (some hazard messaging for the region referenced wind chills down toward −45°C), so anyone heading outside should dress in moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers and a wind‑resistant outer shell and limit exposure.
Photography guides, including Space.com, recommend using a tripod and keeping spare batteries in a warm inner pocket, since lithium batteries drain rapidly in extreme cold. The moon often appears larger when it’s near the horizon, making the early evening a good time to capture photos of the Moon framed over local landmarks.
