Residents of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, are facing dangerous outdoor conditions as Environment Canada warns of extreme wind chills and blowing snow starting the evening of March 12, 2026. These conditions create a high risk of frostbite within minutes for anyone who is outdoors.
The extreme cold is expected to get worse as the night progresses. Wind chill values are predicted to reach -55 overnight and hit -56 on the morning of March 13, 2026.
Strong northwest winds are driving the cold temperatures, with sustained speeds of 40 kilometres per hour. Gusts are expected to reach up to 60 kilometres per hour on Friday, making the air even more dangerous.
People in the community are advised to limit their time outside and to cover all exposed skin if they must leave their homes. At these temperatures, skin can freeze very quickly, which poses a significant risk to personal safety.
