Saskatchewan Cold Snap Shatters Over a Dozen Temperature Records
Recent extreme cold weather in Saskatchewan has broken more than a dozen temperature records across the province, according to data from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The frigid conditions, which gripped the region in late January, saw numerous communities experience record-low temperatures that surpassed historical benchmarks.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Across the Province
From January 22 to 25, 2026, multiple locations in Saskatchewan recorded unprecedented cold. The most significant drops occurred in various regions, with some areas experiencing temperatures not seen in decades.
January 22 Records:
- Assiniboia area: -36.0°C (previous record: -35.6°C set in 1966)
- Lucky Lake area: -36.5°C (previous record: -32.8°C set in 2003)
- Rockglen area: -34.3°C (previous record: -31.7°C set in 2003)
January 23 Records:
- Assiniboia: -37.3°C (previous record: -36.0°C set in 1982)
- Coronach: -36.6°C (previous record: -34.4°C set in 1966)
- Last Mountain Lake: -39.3°C (previous record: -34.0°C set in 1996)
- Lucky Lake area: -37.0°C (previous record: -30.1°C set in 1996)
- Rockglen area: -36.5°C (previous record: -27.5°C set in 2003)
January 24 Records:
- Key Lake area: -48.5°C (previous record: -46.7°C set in 2001)
- Last Mountain Lake (Sanctuary) area: -38.3°C (previous record: -36.1°C set in 2021)
- Lucky Lake area: -34.8°C (previous record: -30.5°C set in 2009)
- Nipawin area: -41.8°C (previous record: -40.0°C set in 1954)
- Weyburn area: -34.5°C (previous record: -34.0°C set in 1982)
- Yorkton area: -39.2°C (previous record: -37.8°C set in 1972)
January 25 Record:
- Last Mountain Lake (Sanctuary) area: -40.9°C (previous record: -38.0°C set in 1997)
Meteorological Explanation and Forecast
According to ECCC Warning Preparedness Meteorologist Natalie Hasell, the extreme cold resulted from a series of low-pressure systems and frontal structures moving through the province. "With the passage of each, the flow came out of the north or the northwest, which allowed for progressively colder air to hit the Prairies," Hasell explained.
While daytime temperatures have begun to warm significantly, nighttime conditions remain cold. However, Hasell predicts a notable shift in weather patterns. "We do see a flip in the pattern, such that we've got really warm temperatures coming to southern Saskatchewan for the end of the month and into the beginning of February," she stated.
This forecast suggests relief from the extreme cold that has dominated the region, with warmer temperatures expected to prevail as January concludes and February begins.
