You know the drill if you live here. One day you're scraping four inches of "Alberta surprise" off your windshield, and the next you’re walking the dog in a light hoodie because a Chinook decided to roll through. Honestly, looking at the Calgary weather today, we’re sitting in that weird, middle-of-the-road winter space that’s actually pretty decent for mid-January.
It’s Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you looked out the window this morning, you probably saw a sky that couldn’t quite make up its mind. We’ve got a mix of sun and cloud today, which is basically the atmospheric equivalent of "shrugging."
What’s Actually Happening Outside Right Now?
The mercury is hovering around a high of -2°C. Now, for the rest of Canada, that might sound chilly. For us? That’s a gift. Considering January is statistically our coldest month—where averages usually tank toward -15°C—we are winning.
But don't get too comfortable. The wind is coming out of the north at about 20 km/h. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to bite. That -2°C is going to feel a lot more like -10°C on your face if you’re standing on a corner waiting for the CTrain.
🔗 Read more: Why Making Grape Juice for Jelly the Old-Fashioned Way Still Wins
There was a 30 percent chance of flurries earlier this morning and into the early afternoon. If you saw a few flakes, don't panic. It’s not the start of a "snow-pocalypse." It’s just Calgary being Calgary.
The Breakdown for Your Sunday Plans
If you’re heading to WinSport or just trying to get some grocery shopping done at the Deerfoot Meadows Costco, here is the vibe for the rest of the day:
✨ Don't miss: How a Good Coffee Great Coffee Recipe Actually Works
- Afternoon: The cloud cover is sticking around, but it’ll stay stable. The "mix of sun and cloud" forecast from Environment Canada is holding true.
- Evening: As the sun dips, things get clear. The clouds are expected to move out, leaving us with a crisp, clear night.
- Overnight: The low is dropping to -7°C. Without the cloud "blanket" to hold in the heat, that wind chill is going to dive to -12°C.
Calgary Weather Today: The Chinook Myth vs. Reality
Everyone talks about the Chinook arch like it’s a magical portal to summer. While we don't have a full-blown warm-up today, we are definitely benefiting from some Pacific air influence that’s keeping us out of the -30°C deep freeze.
Usually, when a Nor'easter is battering the Maritimes (which is exactly what’s happening in Nova Scotia right now with 25cm of snow), Calgary stays relatively dry and calm. We’re in that "sunny west" pattern that the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted for this stretch of January.
Honestly, the air quality is great, and the UV index is low (as usual). It’s a solid day to hit the trails at Nose Hill or maybe finally clear those ice patches off your sidewalk before they turn into permanent glaciers.
Looking Ahead to the Work Week
If you're already dreading the Monday morning commute, take a breath. It looks like the sun is going to stick around for Monday and Tuesday. We’re actually looking at a high of +2°C tomorrow.
That’s the beauty of Calgary weather today and into tomorrow—it’s manageable. We aren't seeing the extreme cold warnings that hit us earlier in the month when wind chills were threatening -45°C.
✨ Don't miss: Fort Wayne Weather Forecast 10 Day: What Most People Get Wrong
Actionable Tips for This Afternoon
- Layers are your best friend. Since it feels like -10°C but the sun is peeking through, you’ll overheat in a heavy parka if you’re walking fast, but freeze in a denim jacket. Go with a windproof shell over a fleece.
- Sunglasses are mandatory. That "mix of sun and cloud" over fresh snow is a recipe for snow blindness.
- Check your tires. Even though it's -2°C, some residential side streets are still "skating rink" status. The melt-freeze cycle we’ve had lately makes for some deceptive black ice.
- Enjoy the evening. Since it’s clearing up tonight, it’s a perfect time for an outdoor skate at Olympic Plaza before the temperatures start their downward slide later this week.
Basically, enjoy the "mild" side of January while it lasts. We all know February likes to throw a temper tantrum, so take the -2°C and run with it.