Regina, Saskatchewan, is no longer under an official extreme cold warning as of January 26, 2026, but weather and health experts say the risk of frostbite remains high. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) removed the formal Extreme Cold Warning in the morning of Jan. 26, 2026, and its hourly forecast showed wind‑chill values near −38°C through the day and northwest winds gusting to about 50 km/h.
Because ECCC’s threshold for an Extreme Cold Warning in southern Saskatchewan is a wind chill of about −40°C (sustained for the required period), the forecasted −38°C wind chill did not meet the technical criterion for an alert. However, that ‘near miss’ still poses real risk: federal guidance on wind chill indicates the risk of frostbite rises rapidly below −27°C, and ECCC/Health Canada wind‑chill guidance shows exposed skin can freeze in a matter of minutes at values near −38°C.
Local institutions use these markers when setting policies. Regina Public Schools and other boards commonly use a wind‑chill cutoff (about −27°C) to decide on indoor recess; the −38°C wind chill sits well below that threshold for keeping children inside. Some local warming centres and municipal services have historically kept extreme‑weather protocols in place during near‑threshold events, but residents should confirm current operating rules with the City of Regina, local shelters and warming centres.
Health officials warn that people often relax precautions once a formal warning ends, which can lead to more cold‑related injuries. Authorities urge people to keep wearing heavy layers, cover exposed skin and watch for signs of frostbite — especially while northwest winds continue to increase the effective cold. Residents should also monitor SaskAlert and ECCC forecasts for any local updates that differ from the national alert banner.
