Tranquil weather over the weekend.. then major storm possible over southern MB by middle of next week followed by Arctic blast..

ECMWF model valid 6 am Thu Dec 5
showing possible major storm
impacting southern Prairies

The weather over southern MB will be generally tranquil for the next few days with no major systems expected to impact the area. Generally cloudy skies and seasonable temperatures are forecast over the weekend before an increasing chance of some snow by next Monday and Tuesday as a storm system tracks through southern AB into southern SK. Things may get a lot more interesting by next Wednesday into Thursday as long range models are indicating the potential of a powerful Colorado low system impacting southern MB and southern SK. It is much too early to be more specific on who will bear the brunt of this storm, if it all, but at this point, it's prudent to be aware that there is the potential for a major storm system to affect parts of southern MB and southern SK by the middle of next week. One thing that looks more certain is the change to much colder weather in the wake of this system later in the week through next weekend, with highs in the minus 20s and low in the minus 30s possible along with colder wind chill values. Get ready folks.. a blast of Arctic weather is on the way next week!          

First significant snowfall of the season hits Winnipeg/RRV..

Webcam showing downtown Winnipeg
Sunday morning Nov 17 2013

Winnipeggers awoke to the first blanket of snow of the season Sunday morning as a weak storm system crossed southern MB overnight. About 3-4 cm of snow fell in the city overnight with amounts of up to 10 cm reported northwest of Winnipeg through the Portage La Prairie to Woodlands area. In addition, brisk northerly winds gusting to 50 km/h and temperatures near -3C were causing slippery conditions on area roadways, forcing the closure of the TransCanada highway between Headingley and Portage La Prairie Sunday morning.  Snow will continue this morning but will taper off by afternoon as the storm system weakens while a more powerful storm system intensifies over northern Ontario.

Cold blast moving in Sunday.. but short lived..

An acrtic cold front will be pushing across southern MB Sunday ushering in a northerly flow of much colder air from the Arctic for Sunday afternoon into Monday.  The cold front will be pushing through Winnipeg around midday Sunday with a few flurries, then gusty northwest winds will develop behind the front with falling temperatures in the afternoon. Midday temperatures near -1 or -2C will fall to -8C by evening, and -12 to -15C by Monday morning. Remembrance Day will be sunny but cold, with afternoon highs near -8C and northwest winds of 20 km/h. The good news is that this blast of cold air will be short lived as winds shift into the south on Tuesday bringing in moderating temperatures by midweek. By Wednesday, highs will be back on the plus side, with highs rising above normal to around +6C. Seasonable temperatures are expected for the latter half of the week along with generally fair conditions.              

Snow moving into Winnipeg/RRV Friday afternoon into Friday evening..

A clipper system from western Canada will track across southern MB Friday, bringing an area of snow with it. Snow from this system is expected to spread into Winnipeg and the Red River valley from the west Friday afternoon into Friday evening, with some slushy accumulations possible Friday night. Temperatures Friday afternoon should be near or just above freezing before the precipitation starts, so snow will likely be melting at first. However, as temperatures cool Friday evening, snow will likely start accumulating, especially on grassy surfaces, with amounts of 2-3 cm possible by Saturday morning. Northwesterly winds behind this system will usher in colder temperatures for Saturday along with occasional flurries. Much colder but dry conditions are expected early next week before temperatures moderate again later in the week.