The city of Calgary will usher in the new year under a blanket of cloud and freezing drizzle, according to the latest forecast. The first day of 2026 is set to be marked by these damp and icy conditions, setting a chilly tone for the beginning of January.
A Return to Seasonal Norms
Following the frosty start, a shift is expected. Daily high temperatures are forecast to move back toward seasonal values, hovering around -3 degrees Celsius, for the initial five days of the year. This period will offer a more typical winter experience for Calgarians after the biting cold of the holiday season.
The Chinook Waiting in the Wings
However, the reprieve may be short-lived by a classic Alberta phenomenon. Meteorological models suggest that after this five-day stretch of seasonal cold, the region could see another chinook wind roll in. These warm, dry winds are famous for causing rapid temperature spikes, often bringing relief from deep winter freezes but also associated with strong gusts and pressure changes.
The forecast highlights a dynamic start to 2026, with residents advised to prepare for variable conditions—from icy precipitation and seasonal cold to the potential for a sudden, significant warm-up.
