Yellow Alert! Blowing Snow Grips Calgary, Are You Ready for a -35°C Wind Chill?

The Scene

Deerfoot Trail disappearing into a whiteout, the Bow River valley shrouded in a swirling veil – that's the scene across Calgary this chilly December weekend. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), our federal weather gurus (officially known by their full moniker since 2015), dropped a Yellow weather alert on us yesterday, December 26th, a heads-up that’s still very much active through today, December 27th, with conditions expected to persist. The Calgary Herald was on it, reporting the warning for blowing snow and dismal visibility that could make navigating our city feel like a lottery. Expect the mercury, with wind chill, to flirt dangerously close to -35°C, a stark reminder of our city's truly bone-chilling winters. Blowing snow, a true Canadian winter classic, means winds hitting at least 30 km/h are expected to chop visibility down to 800 metres or less for three hours or more, creating treacherous conditions on our roads and pathways.

What's Changing

If "Yellow alert" sounds new to your Calgary ear, that’s because it is. As of November 26, 2025, ECCC rolled out a new colour-coded system to better communicate the punch weather hazards pack. Yellow means 'take note, folks.' It signifies that hazardous weather could bring moderate, localized, or short-term damage, disruptions, or health impacts – basically, the most common type of alert you'll see on your weather app. While it's not the meteorological equivalent of an emergency broadcast, it’s certainly a call to reconsider that non-essential trip to Signal Hill or that drive down Memorial Drive, especially with near-zero visibility reported. This new system aims to give Calgarians clearer guidance, but ultimately, it's about making smart choices when facing our unpredictable winter elements.

The Neighborhood Vibe

This isn't just about what's falling from the sky; it's about what hits the ground and how we deal with it. Our city's Snow and Ice Control Policy (CP2021-01) outlines how City Hall tackles our infrastructure, but Ward 11 residents and beyond know the true battle often starts at our own property lines. Section 67 of the Streets Bylaw is crystal clear: property owners have 24 hours post-snowfall to clear sidewalks to bare pavement. But as Darby Young of Level Playing Field pointed out in 2021, the city's prioritization of sidewalk clearing, especially for accessibility, still has room for improvement. "The snow for persons with disabilities and seniors is awful," she observed, reminding us that sometimes, relying on our neighbours and and community groups is key to truly looking after everyone. And let’s not forget the chaos a good dumping can cause. Remember November 2025? That storm saw Calgary police respond to 389 collisions in less than a day, including 26 injury-related incidents. Plus, about 50 Calgary Transit buses got stuck during the morning commute – a clear picture of the gridlock and frustration poor conditions can bring to our daily lives. The city budgets a hefty $55 million annually for snow clearing, but when conditions get this gnarly, every bit of community spirit helps keep our city moving.

Looking Ahead

So, as this Yellow alert for blowing snow persists across Calgary, keep an eye on those changing conditions. Whether you're heading out to grab coffee in Kensington or tackling the commutes around Deerfoot and Glenmore, extreme caution is your best friend. While ECCC's new system helps us understand the risks better, the reality is that Calgary winters demand our vigilance. Stay warm, stay safe, and maybe offer to shovel your neighbour's walk – it’s the Calgary way to turn a challenging forecast into a moment for community.