Residents in Niverville, Manitoba, faced dangerous outdoor conditions after a blast of Arctic air dropped wind chill values to near −40°C on January 19, 2026.
Environment Canada warned that at these wind chill levels “frostbite can develop within minutes on exposed skin,” and that exposed skin can freeze in often under 10 minutes. The federal weather office issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the R.M. of Hanover (including Niverville) to alert people to limit outdoor exposure.
The Hanover School Division (HSD) cancelled all classes and bus services for the day. HSD said schools would be closed to students but remain open to staff — a step the division takes when weather and road conditions make it unsafe to transport students by bus.
The closure follows HSD’s Weather-Related School Closure Policy. That policy specifies closures when the Kleefeld Environment Canada station records −35°C at 6:00 a.m. or when wind chill is −45°C or colder. HSD guidance also says teachers and support staff will be present in schools to post assignments and provide remote learning support (teachers will attempt to connect virtually or by phone but will not launch new synchronous lessons).
Local officials urged residents to check on vulnerable neighbours and to take precautions with pets — Environment Canada advises that if it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for a pet to stay outside. Town and municipal public works departments were reported to be on standby to respond to potential issues such as frozen water pipes or heating system failures.
