Snow or Shine: Halloween Weather in Calgary Over the Years
This year’s Halloween forecast looks relatively mild, but extreme weather swings in the past haven’t stopped Calgarians from trick-or-treating. Experiencing Halloween in Canada means facing unpredictable weather, making costume planning a challenge for many children.
Unpredictable Weather Patterns
A report from Extreme Weather Watch, covering 50 years of Halloween weather, shows significant temperature fluctuations from year to year. Despite these changes, local traditions continue strong.
Personal Stories of Halloween Weather
Laura Bond, a Calgary native, recalled her 1998 Halloween: "[Once] I had the snowsuit on underneath, boom, my mood was ruined."
The coldest recorded Halloween temperature in the last 50 years was in 1984, hitting a low of -25.7°C.
Adjusting for Weather in Costume Planning
Jodi Jansen, mother of four, shared how they always planned costumes with the weather in mind: “We often made their costumes. We always assumed they would have to wear winter stuff so we’d make things a little larger so they could fit their costume over top.”
Although weather might affect the costume’s appearance or shorten trick-or-treating time, it has never stopped them from going out.
Author’s Summary
Calgarians adapt creatively to Halloween’s unpredictable weather, ensuring the tradition of trick-or-treating remains strong despite often harsh conditions.