Winnipeg is basically the only place where people look at a temperature of -5°C and think, "Hey, it's actually kinda balmy out." But honestly, if you’re looking at the weather forecast Winnipeg Manitoba for today, January 15, 2026, you've probably noticed that the numbers are lying to you.
We are currently trapped in what meteorologists call a "temperature rollercoaster," a fancy way of saying the atmosphere has lost its mind. While the mercury is technically rising toward a high of 1°C, the wind chill is sitting at a nasty -14. It’s that weird, damp Manitoba cold that finds the gap in your zipper and stays there.
The Clipper is Coming (And It’s Fast)
A fast-moving Alberta Clipper is currently sliding southeast from the Northwest Territories, and it’s about to make the afternoon commute a total disaster. We aren't looking at a massive blizzard—at least not like the one that dumped 25 cm on us back in mid-December—but it’s messy.
Expect snow showers to start ramping up this afternoon. We’re only looking at maybe 2 to 4 centimeters of fresh powder in the city, but the real problem is the wind. It's shifting northwest and gusting up to 60 km/h. If you’re driving on the Perimeter, you already know what that means: zero visibility and that lovely "polished glass" ice on the road.
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- Morning: Cloudy, rising from -13°C.
- Afternoon: High of 1°C, 60% chance of flurries, blowing snow.
- Overnight: Temperature holds steady around -6°C but feels like -15.
Why the "Warm-Up" is a Trap
You've probably seen the headlines about unseasonably warm weather earlier this week. It’s been weird. The Nestaweya River Trail at The Forks and the Riley Family Duck Pond had to shut down temporarily because the ice was getting sketchy. People were walking around in light jackets on Monday.
Don't let that fool you. This 1°C "high" today is the last gasp of that warm air. By tomorrow, Friday the 16th, the floor drops out. We’re heading back down to a high of -15°C with a low of -21°C.
The jet stream is currently in a neutral La Niña phase, which typically means Manitoba gets more "clippers" and fewer "Colorado lows." Clippers are those quick, punchy storms that don't bring a ton of snow but bring a massive amount of wind and a sudden drop in temperature. It's basically a hit-and-run from the atmosphere.
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Looking Ahead: The 14-Day Reality Check
If you were hoping for an early spring, I have some bad news. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) released their seasonal outlook, and they’re doubling down on a "traditional" Canadian winter for the Prairies.
While Northern Manitoba and regions near Hudson Bay are seeing warmer-than-average temps due to low ice cover, Winnipeg is squarely in the crosshairs of the polar vortex. By Monday, January 19, we are looking at daytime highs that won't even break -22°C.
What You Should Actually Do
If you’re heading out today, skip the stylish fall boots. The risk of freezing rain is high this evening as the temperature hovers near the freezing mark.
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- Check the Highway Map: If you’re heading toward Brandon or Portage la Prairie, Highway 1 and Highway 16 have already seen sporadic closures this week due to freezing rain.
- The Layering Rule: Since the temperature is swinging from -13 to +1 and back to -15 in the span of 48 hours, use moisture-wicking base layers. Sweat is your enemy when the wind hits 60 km/h.
- Pet Safety: Even if it's "only" -5°C, that wind chill of -14 is hard on paws. Keep the walks short today.
Winnipeg weather is never just about the number on the screen. It's about the wind, the humidity, and whether the city actually managed to sand your intersection. Stay off the Perimeter if the blowing snow picks up this evening, and keep an eye on the Friday morning forecast—it’s going to be a cold one.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor live radar: Check the ECCC North Radisson radar site every hour if you are commuting after 4:00 PM to track the clipper's exact path.
- Prepare for Friday: Plug in your vehicle tonight. With the temperature dropping to -21°C by tomorrow morning, older batteries will struggle.
- Check ice status: If you plan on skating this weekend, check The Forks' official trail conditions website on Friday evening; the cooling trend should allow them to resurface and reopen the river trails.