When January descends upon Winnipeg, one’s mind conjures images of icy landscapes and bone-chilling temperatures. But for the Winnipeg Gliding Club, this winter has been a delightful departure from the norm.

In the eyes of Mike Maskell, the club’s president, the first day of the year presented unexpectedly favourable conditions for taking flight. Despite the season, there was hardly any snow on the ground, a rarity in these parts. With just a thin blanket of two centimetres, Winnipeg looked nothing like its usual wintry self.

As the clock struck noon, gliders soared into the sky, basking in the soft sunlight and relatively mild weather. Despite a slight nip in the air, the flying enthusiasts were overjoyed to seize the opportunity presented by this unusually pleasant day. As the afternoon wore on, the winds calmed, and the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, making for a truly blissful day for gliding.

In Winnipeg, the gliding season typically begins in late April or early May and winds down by the end of October, when the sun creates thermals that keep the gliders afloat. The chance to fly on January 1st was a truly extraordinary occurrence, happening only for the second time in the club’s history.

However, Natalie Hasell, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, warned that colder temperatures were on the horizon despite the current lack of wintry weather. The region’s temperatures are expected to plummet to levels more in line with typical winter conditions, with nighttime temperatures potentially reaching a bone-chilling -40°C, posing potential hazards to those unprepared.

To prepare for the imminent cold snap, Hasell urged the public to limit outdoor exposure, ensure adequate shelter and heating arrangements, and dress in layers. It’s also essential to have emergency supplies at the ready. More tips for staying safe in extreme cold can be found on canada.ca.

As the Winnipeg Gliding Club continues to defy winter norms, it serves as a reminder that nature often holds unexpected surprises. Despite the return to more typical winter conditions, the club’s unprecedented New Year’s Day adventure stands as a testament to the unpredictable beauty of the great outdoors.