Edmonton activates extreme weather response as 2026 arrives with a chill

A spate of cold and snow to begin 2026 has prompted the City of Edmonton to activate its extreme weather response to assist vulnerable residents.

The response went into effect Jan. 1 at 9 a.m. and is expected to remain in place until the same time on Jan. 6, the city said in news release Thursday.

Environment Canada’s forecast for the city calls for temperatures to hover around -15 C for the next few days, not including the wind chill. Edmontonians can also expect more snow heading into the weekend, before temperatures moderate to around 0 C on Tuesday.

“The city encourages vulnerable Edmontonians to go to shelters to protect themselves from winter conditions. Shelters are the safest option to protect unhoused Edmontonians from frostbite, loss of limbs and death,” the release said.

For anyone who sees people trying to shelter outside, they are asked to call 211 and press 3 for the crisis diversion team.

As part of the extreme weather response, the city provides expanded overnight shuttle service to transport vulnerable Edmontonians to shelters. City libraries, recreation centres and other facilities are available during regular hours for anyone needing to warm up.

An extra overnight shelter with up to 50 spaces is also provided at the Al Rashid Mosque. The facility at 13070 113 St. NW operates from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., and walk-ins are welcome.

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