Residents in The Pas, Manitoba, should prepare for a dangerous drop in temperature and light snowfall beginning the evening of January 9, 2026. Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting about 2–4 centimetres of snow followed by a surge of cold air producing wind chill values near −31°C overnight. At wind chills this low, Health Canada and Environment Canada guidance warn that frostbite can occur on exposed skin within about 10–30 minutes.
The extreme cold is moving in quickly behind the snow, which is expected to force public works crews to carry out snow clearing under harsh conditions. Town of The Pas public works typically prioritize clearing main arteries before equipment faces extra strain from freezing temperatures; residents should give snowplows plenty of room and limit non-essential travel.
The warning covers The Pas, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey. Kelsey School Division generally keeps schools open at these wind-chill levels, but its policy notes that bus operations will not run when temperatures fall to around −45°C; schools may keep students inside for recess and bus service could be delayed. Drivers should check Manitoba 511 for up‑to‑date highway conditions on PTH 10 and PR 283 before leaving home.
To stay safe, Health Canada recommends dressing in several layers with a wind‑resistant outer layer, monitoring pets (as extreme cold can be dangerous for animals), and checking on neighbours and elders to ensure heating systems are working properly.
