Residents of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, are facing dangerous blizzard conditions and extreme cold after official warnings were issued early on March 4, 2026. Environment Canada reported near-zero visibility and life-threatening wind chills reaching as low as -60°C. These conditions are expected to last until at least midday Wednesday.
The blizzard warning covers both Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, with northwesterly winds gusting between 60 and 70 kilometres per hour. Observations at the Rankin Inlet Airport at 4:00 AM showed visibility was limited to just 0.2 kilometres. The blowing snow is making travel extremely difficult and hazardous for anyone outdoors.
An extreme cold warning also remains in effect as wind chill values stay between -55 and -60°C. While these temperatures may improve slightly during the afternoon, the intense cold is expected to return Wednesday night. People are encouraged to stay sheltered to avoid frostbite and the risk of becoming disoriented in the snow.
