Environment Canada issued a yellow cold warning for Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, on February 27, 2026, as extreme wind chills moved into the region. The warning covers the Rankin Region, including Whale Cove, with wind chill values expected to sit between -55 and -60 throughout the morning.
At 5:00 AM on Friday, sensors at the Rankin Inlet Airport recorded a wind chill of -58. These dangerous conditions were caused by north-northwest winds reaching 38 kilometres per hour and blowing snow.
Forecasters say frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than two minutes at these temperatures. The air temperature dropped to -38.3°C, which is significantly colder than the typical February low of -33°C for the area.
The Hamlet of Rankin Inlet may need to stop water delivery trucks to protect workers and equipment during the extreme cold. Residents and travellers should also check with Calm Air for potential flight changes at the airport due to the blowing snow.
