WINNIPEG – Several school divisions across Manitoba have cancelled classes and bus services today, January 22, 2026, as an extreme cold snap and dangerous wind chills grip the province. Environment Canada has issued an orange-level extreme cold warning for the entire province, with wind chill values expected to plummet between -40 and -45 in the south and as low as -50 in northern regions. The decision to close schools comes as a safety precaution against the life-threatening conditions, where frostbite can occur on exposed skin within minutes.
The following school divisions have confirmed total closures for the day:
- Red River Valley School Division: All schools are closed, and buses are cancelled.
- Interlake School Division: All schools and administrative offices are closed; all community rentals have also been cancelled.
- Fort La Bosse School Division: All schools in the division are closed, and bus services are not operational.
- Lakeshore School Division: All schools remain closed for the duration of the day.
In addition to full closures, several other divisions have implemented partial service interruptions. The Swan Valley School Division has opted to keep schools open but has grounded all bus routes, while the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM) has closed specific schools including Aurèle-Lemoine, Saint-Lazare, and La voie du Nord. Other DSFM schools remain open, though their bus services have been suspended.
Meteorologists report that the frigid temperatures are being driven by an Arctic air mass accompanied by stiff northwesterly winds gusting up to 80 km/h in some rural areas. These conditions have led to blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility on provincial highways. With daytime highs in Winnipeg struggling to reach -25°C, health officials are urging residents to stay indoors and reminding those who must travel to carry emergency winter kits and dress in multiple wind-resistant layers.
