You’ve heard the joke before. If you don't like the weather in Calgary, just wait five minutes. Honestly, right now, that's not even a joke; it’s a survival strategy.
We just came off a week where people were literally sitting on patios at the Ship & Anchor in mid-January. On January 14, 2026, the city hit an unofficial high of 17°C. That is roughly 20 degrees warmer than our typical January baseline. It’s wild. But if you’re looking at the weather forecast in calgary for 14 days, you need to put the shorts away.
Basically, the "Chinook hangover" is about to kick in. Hard.
Why the Next Two Weeks Will Be a Rollercoaster
Calgary is currently sitting in this weird atmospheric sandwich. We have these massive upper ridges of high pressure fighting off the Arctic air, but the Arctic is starting to win.
Today, Sunday, January 18, we’re looking at a high of 32°F (0°C). It’s cloudy and feels like the party is over. Monday might trick you with a jump back up to 40°F (4°C), but don't let the west wind fool you. By the time we hit Thursday, January 22, the daytime high is going to struggle to reach 17°F (-8°C). That’s a massive swing.
The Chinook Factor
Most people think a Chinook is just a "warm wind." It’s actually a localized phenomenon where moist air from the Pacific loses its moisture over the Rockies and compresses as it drops down the eastern slopes.
Compression equals heat.
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This is why we saw record-breaking temps earlier this month. But the 14-day outlook shows those westerly winds weakening. When the wind stops "pushing" from the west, the cold, heavy air from the north just slides right in like an uninvited guest.
Breaking Down the 14-Day Numbers
Here is the breakdown of what is actually happening. No fluff, just the data we're seeing for the rest of January 2026.
- The "Mild" Phase (Jan 19 - Jan 21): We stay hovering around the freezing mark. Monday is the peak at 40°F. Tuesday stays decent at 37°F.
- The Dip (Jan 22 - Jan 23): This is where it gets kinda ugly. Highs of 17°F and 19°F. Overnight lows will hit 5°F (-15°C).
- The Rebound (Jan 24 - Jan 27): We see another spike. Saturday hits 35°F and Tuesday, Jan 27, could reach 41°F.
- The Long Range: Transitioning into early February, the Old Farmer’s Almanac and Environment Canada are both signaling a return to "bitter cold."
It’s a sawtooth pattern. Up, down, up, down.
What This Means for Your Daily Life
If you’re a runner, Tuesday is your last "easy" day for a bit. The wind is coming from the west at 13 mph, which is manageable. Thursday? Not so much. With a high of 17°F and a north-northeast wind, the wind chill is going to be the real story.
Ice Safety Warning
I cannot stress this enough: stay off the rivers. The Bow River rescue last week near Bowmont Park happened because people underestimated how much 17°C weather degrades ice. Even if it gets cold again this Thursday, that ice is "rotten." It’s structurally weak.
Outdoor rinks are currently looking more like swimming pools. Bowness Park has been a slush fest. If you’re planning on skating in the next 14 days, stick to the refrigerated indoor hubs or wait until the deep freeze hits next weekend.
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The Myth of the "Dry" Winter
We always say Calgary is dry. It is. Usually. But this January has seen above-normal precipitation across the southern Prairies.
The weather forecast in calgary for 14 days currently shows a 20% chance of snow on Monday, January 26. While that sounds low, Calgary’s "light snow" often turns into "greasy roads" because of the freeze-thaw cycle.
When the temp hits 40°F during the day and drops to 18°F at night, you aren't dealing with snow; you're dealing with a sheet of black ice.
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Expert Tips for Navigating the Forecast
- Check the Wind Direction: In Calgary, wind from the North/Northwest means "bundle up." Wind from the West/Southwest means "maybe just a light jacket."
- Layer for 20 Degrees: You need a base layer that wicks moisture. If you sweat during the 40°F Monday afternoon, you will freeze when the sun goes down at 5:02 PM.
- Watch the UV Index: Even though it’s 0 or 1 right now, the sun reflecting off the remaining snow can still catch you off guard if you're out in the mountains.
- Tire Pressure: These 20-degree temperature swings will mess with your TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors. Don't panic if the light comes on during the cold snap on Thursday; it’s just physics.
Calgary weather is basically a game of "choose your own adventure." One day you're golfing at a driving range, the next you're digging out the heavy parka. Stay flexible, keep an eye on those overnight lows, and honestly, just keep a spare set of gloves in the car at all times.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your car's antifreeze levels before the January 22 temperature drop.
- Avoid the Bow River banks entirely until we have at least seven consecutive days of sub-zero temperatures.
- Plan outdoor maintenance for Tuesday, January 20, as it offers the best balance of sun and manageable wind before the mid-week chill.