You’ve probably heard the jokes about Calgary weather being a bit of a mood ring. Well, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is basically a masterclass in that reputation. Honestly, if you woke up today and saw the thermometer reading 23°F (about -5°C) and thought, "Oh, it's just another freezing winter day," you're actually missing the bigger picture.
It’s clear out there right now, and the air is crisp. But this is Calgary, and a "clear night" is usually just the opening act for something way more interesting.
The Wild Swing: Calgary Weather Forecast Today Explained
Basically, we are looking at a massive jump in temperature. While it feels like 15°F (-9°C) early this morning due to a light 6 mph breeze from the west, the daytime high is aiming for a balmy 49°F (9.4°C). That is a swing of over 25 degrees.
Why? It’s the classic Chinook influence. You’ve seen it before: that arch of clouds in the distance that promises a reprieve from the deep freeze. While long-term averages for January usually hover around -5°C (23°F) for a daytime high, today is absolutely obliterating those norms.
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We just saw a record-shattering Wednesday on January 14 where the mercury hit almost 17°C (62.6°F). Today isn't quite that extreme, but hitting 49°F in the middle of January is still a gift you don't ignore.
What to Expect Hour-by-Hour
Don't let the "mostly sunny" forecast fool you into wearing a t-shirt all day. It’s a bit of a trap.
- Morning: It’s chilly. Clear skies mean nothing is holding the heat in. Expect temperatures to climb from -4°C early on to about 2°C by the time you're finished with your second coffee.
- Afternoon: This is the sweet spot. Bright sunshine and a high of 49°F (around 9°C to 11°C depending on your exact neighborhood). The wind will pick up a bit, coming from the northwest at 12 mph, but it’s manageable.
- Evening: The temperature drops fast once the sun dips. We are looking at 27°F (-3°C) overnight. It’ll get cloudy, and there is even a tiny 10% chance of some stray snow flurries later tonight.
Why This Warmth Matters Right Now
People get weirdly stressed about warm winter days in Alberta. "It’s bad for the environment," or "The ice is melting!" And yeah, there's some truth to that.
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The City of Calgary has already put out warnings about the Bow River. After a dog had to be rescued near Bowmont Park earlier this week, officials are pretty much begging people to stay off the ice. It’s tempting to go for a walk on the river when it’s 49°F, but that ice is becoming a slushy mess.
Local businesses like the Ship & Anchor are loving it, though. Seeing patios full in the middle of January is a vibe you only get here. WinSport is also holding steady; they’ve got a solid base, and honestly, beginner skiers are way more likely to show up when they aren't worried about frostbite.
The Science of the "January Thaw"
Is this normal? Sorta.
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The Weather Network and Environment Canada are both tracking a shift in the polar vortex. We’ve had a solid week of above-seasonal temperatures, which some are calling the "January Thaw." But don't get too comfortable. Historical data from 2026 shows that these ridges of high pressure over Western Canada often give way to "cross-polar flow."
Translation: The Arctic air is currently being pushed north toward Alaska, but it’s basically just crouching, waiting to spring back down. Enjoy the 49°F today, because the second half of January is looking a lot more like "traditional" Alberta winter.
Real-World Advice for Today
If you’re heading out, here is how to actually handle the Calgary weather forecast today without looking like a tourist:
- Layer like a pro. A heavy parka at 2 PM will make you sweat, which is the fastest way to get a chill when the sun goes down. Think medium jacket over a hoodie.
- Check your tires. The freeze-thaw cycle is the absolute worst for road conditions. That melting snow from the afternoon turns into "black ice" the second the sun sets.
- Sunscreen is not a joke. The UV index is low (around 1), but with the sun reflecting off the remaining snow, you can still catch a burn if you’re out on the trails at Nose Hill or Confederation Park for a few hours.
- Stay off the rivers. Seriously. The ice is unstable. Stick to the paved pathways or the community rinks that haven't turned into puddles yet.
Today is a day for a long walk, a patio coffee, or finally washing that salt off your car. Just keep an eye on the clouds. That 10% chance of snow tonight is a reminder that in Calgary, winter is always just one wind shift away from coming back.
Actionable Insight: Plan your outdoor activities between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to catch the peak warmth. If you're driving tonight after 8:00 PM, watch for damp spots on the road—they will likely be frozen.