Calgary’s weather is living up to its reputation for rapid change, with a notable warm-up set to sweep across the city after a stretch of foggy, frozen days.
Calgarians have been waking up to winter scenes in the new year, but Environment Canada now says temperatures are poised to climb, bringing daytime highs into the high single digits and possibly even low double digits beginning this weekend.
It’s far too early for shorts and sandals, but meteorologist Rob Griffiths says a significant pattern shift is underway.
“We’ll see an upper ridge develop over the western Prairies, and that will allow warmer air to build in from the south,” he explains.
Chinook‑like winds will also help usher milder Pacific air across southern Alberta, adding to the warming trend.
Environment Canada is calling for a high of 10 C on Saturday with daytime highs expected to hover around double digits in the following days.
It’s still early, but a high of 16 C is forecast for next Wednesday. Griffiths cautions Calgarians not to get carried away by early long‑range forecasts showing mid‑teen temperatures.
“I’d be cautious of putting too much stock into those mid‑teen to high‑teen daytime highs we’re seeing in the early extended forecast,” he says. “But it does look like it will be much nicer next week.”
The change comes after a week of winter marked by lingering fog.
“That actually was a pretty stagnant pattern over southern Alberta with the widespread fog and a bit of freezing drizzle,” Griffiths says.
Despite the warmer temperatures ahead, the freeze‑thaw cycle will continue. That means walkways, parking lots, and some roadways may be icier than usual as more freezing than melting takes place in shaded or untreated areas.
Health experts are also weighing in. The Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network recommends limiting morning coffee intake, eating a balanced diet, and staying active to reduce the risk of headaches and migraines, which can flare up during rapid weather swings.
Calgary’s current conditions and extended forecast are available here.