After a chaotic Wednesday that saw close to 200 collisions across the city, Calgary received a brief, mild respite on Thursday. This calm allowed residents to dig out and recover from a significant winter storm. However, that break is now over, as a sharp and sustained cold front is set to grip the city.
A Frigid Forecast Takes Hold
Temperatures will drop sharply throughout the day on Friday, December 19, 2025, ushering in a period of intense cold. The decline marks the beginning of what forecasters warn will be a cold, cold weekend. This sudden freeze follows a period of relative calm that was desperately needed for cleanup and recovery efforts across Alberta.
Context of a Stormy Week
The approaching deep freeze caps off a week of severe winter weather. The situation was particularly dangerous on Wednesday, when snowy and icy conditions contributed to nearly 200 collisions on Calgary roads. The brief milder period provided essential time for road crews and citizens to prepare for the next challenge. Meanwhile, other parts of the country are also grappling with winter's impact, from rising flu-related ER visits in B.C. to a fire truck getting stuck in Winnipeg snow, highlighting a nationwide seasonal shift.
Preparing for the Cold Stretch
With the cold air mass settling in, Environment Canada is likely to issue warnings. The dramatic temperature drop serves as a critical reminder for Calgarians to take necessary precautions. This includes ensuring home heating systems are functioning, protecting pipes from freezing, and exercising extreme caution when venturing outside, as wind chills can make conditions feel even more dangerous. Residents are advised to check on vulnerable neighbours and ensure vehicles are winter-ready.
The sequence of a major storm followed by a deep freeze is a classic but hazardous Alberta winter pattern. While the city managed the immediate aftermath of the snow, the new threat is the penetrating cold that will define the weekend and potentially linger into the following week.
