Honestly, if you’ve lived in Calgary for more than a week, you know the weather has a bit of a personality disorder. One day you’re wearing a parka that could survive a Siberian expedition, and the next, you’re seeing people in shorts at a local brewery.
Calgary weather now is doing exactly that—keeping everyone on their toes while breaking records that have stood since the early 2000s.
The Record-Shattering Warmth No One Expected
Basically, we just witnessed history. On January 14, 2026, the mercury in Calgary hit a staggering 16.9°C. To put that in perspective, the previous record for that day was 11.2°C, set back in 2004. You’ve probably seen the "packed patio" photos on your feed. It’s wild because, by mid-January, we’re usually hacking through ice on our windshields with a credit card because we lost the scraper.
But don't get too comfortable. That record-breaking heat was a bit of a tease.
As of right now, January 18, 2026, things have cooled down significantly from those double-digit highs. Currently, the temperature is sitting at 25°F (roughly -4°C). It’s "partly sunny" out there, which is Calgary-speak for "it looks nice through the window until the wind hits your face."
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The wind is currently a gentle 2 mph coming from the southeast. Humidity is hovering around 70%, and the UV index is a flat zero. If you were hoping for a massive dump of snow today, you’re likely out of luck; there's only a 1% chance of precipitation right now.
What’s Actually Happening Today?
If you're planning to head out to Prince's Island Park or just running to the grocery store, here is the breakdown for the rest of Sunday, January 18:
Expect a high of 29°F (-2°C) and a low of 19°F (-7°C). The day is officially classified as "cloudy," and the wind is going to pick up a bit, reaching about 8 mph from the north. Tonight should clear up, but that also means the heat escapes, leading to that chilly 19°F low.
There’s a small 10% chance of snow during the day, dropping to 5% at night. It’s basically just enough to make the sidewalk annoying but not enough to justify getting the blower out.
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Looking Ahead to the Week
Kinda crazy how fast it shifts, right? Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, we’re looking at a high of 38°F (3°C) and a low of 23°F (-5°C). It’ll be cloudy with a 10% chance of snow.
By Tuesday, the sun returns in full force with a high of 32°F (0°C). Honestly, that 0°C mark is the sweet spot for Calgary winters. It’s warm enough that the ice melts but cold enough that the "big melt" slush hasn't turned the entire city into a brown puddle yet.
The Chinook Factor and Your Health
Most people blame these swings on the "Chinook," those warm winds that roll off the Rockies. While they provide a much-needed break from the deep freeze, they’re also the primary reason half the city currently has a pounding headache.
The rapid change in air pressure is a known trigger for migraines. If you're feeling a bit "off" or lethargic today, it’s likely the weather, not just that extra cup of coffee. Experts often suggest staying extra hydrated during these pressure shifts because the air gets incredibly dry.
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Why This January Feels Different
Environment Canada and the Old Farmer’s Almanac both predicted a "mild" winter for the southern Prairies this year, and so far, they’re hitting the nail on the head. We’re seeing above-normal temperatures across the board.
However, "mild" is a relative term in Alberta. We’re still seeing reports of freezing rain incidents north of us near Edmonton and hazardous driving conditions on the highways. Even when it's 3°C during the day, the roads freeze instantly once that sun dips behind the mountains at 5:03 PM.
Tips for Surviving the Rest of the Month
- The Layer Game: Seriously, do not leave the house in just a light jacket because it looks sunny. Wear a base layer. The temperature can drop 10 degrees in an hour here.
- Watch the Ice: With temperatures hovering around the freezing mark (0°C), we are in the prime "freeze-thaw" cycle. Sidewalks that look wet are often actually black ice.
- Sunglasses are Mandatory: With the sun reflecting off what's left of the snow, the glare is brutal. The UV index might be low, but the brightness is high.
- Hydrate Your Skin: This 70% humidity won't last. Calgary is notoriously dry, and these temperature swings make it worse.
The bottom line is that while we're enjoying a break from the -30°C polar vortex nightmares of years past, the "weather in Calgary now" is still unpredictable.
Keep an eye on the sky, keep your windshield fluid topped up—the blue stuff, not the summer water—and enjoy the sun while it’s here. January in Calgary is a marathon, not a sprint, and we’ve still got a lot of winter left to navigate.
Check your tire pressure today. These temperature drops from 16°C back down to the negatives will cause your TPMS light to pop on. Fill them to the recommended PSI on your door jamb while they're cold to avoid a flat-tire headache later this week.