Residents in Selkirk, Manitoba, are seeing a quick warm-up on March 2, 2026, after a weekend of dangerously cold temperatures that kept many people indoors. A yellow cold warning was in effect yesterday for the city and the R.M. of St. Andrews as wind chill values dropped between -40 and -45.
According to Environment Canada, the yellow alert is the lowest level on a new three-colour safety scale introduced by the federal agency in late 2025. The system incorporates health-based research from organizations like the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health to help people understand how different levels of cold can affect their safety.
The temperature is forecast to reach a high of -3°C today, but the rapid change is expected to create messy conditions on local streets and sidewalks. While the warmer air is a relief, the Province of Manitoba warns that melting snow can quickly turn into slush and ice, making travel difficult.
Provincial guidelines followed by many local crews suggest using salt to manage ice when road temperatures are between 0°C and -10°C, and switching to a sand and salt mixture when it gets colder. With the temperature expected to drop back down to -13°C tonight, the City of Selkirk is advising residents to watch out for black ice on the commute tomorrow morning.
Community members are encouraged to check on their pets and vulnerable neighbours during these sudden weather swings. It is also helpful to clear slush away from drainage spots to prevent large puddles from freezing over and creating slick spots near homes and businesses.
