Friday, November 21, 2014

Mild weekend ahead.. but turning snowy and colder Sunday night. Tricky Monday morning commute likely..

After 2 weeks of well below normal temperatures, southern MB will be getting a brief break this weekend with some milder temperatures as a couple of weather systems track across the central Prairies drawing milder air across the south.  Southwest winds ahead of the first system today have pushed temperatures well above freezing over snow-free SW Manitoba with Brandon up to +7C this afternoon and +9C in Pierson. A brisk southerly wind over the snow covered Red River valley was keeping temperatures slightly colder in Winnipeg at -2C this afternoon.  For Saturday, a weak ridge of high pressure will cross southern MB giving dry weather and light winds, with temperatures above freezing. By Sunday, a storm system will track across southern MB bringing snow through the Interlake and western MB parklands with 10-15 cm possible by Sunday night. As this system tracks east of the RRV later Sunday, winds will shift into the north and draw colder air into Winnipeg and the Red River valley with snow developing. Snow will continue Sunday night into early Monday along with gusty north winds producing local blowing and drifting snow. It's possible we may see 5-10 cm of snow by the Monday morning commute in Winnipeg although there is still considerable uncertainty on snowfall amounts at this point. Regardless, residents should plan for a slow commute to work or school Monday morning due to sharply colder temperatures, gusty north winds giving local blowing and drifting snow, and slippery road conditions.

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for the updates Rob what is your take on the snowfall amount that the Brandon area will receive we are still bare with no snow!

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    1. Yes.. you guys missed out on the weak systems and lake effect over the past week or two, and that bare ground helped you warm up nicely today in the sun. As for Sunday, it looks like you guys will get into the snow Sunday morning, with snow continuing through Sunday into Sunday night. Current projections show perhaps 5 to 8 cm out your way by Sunday night, with heavier amounts up towards Dauphin and the Riding/Duck Mtns.

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  2. Looks like models are tracking system through southern MB a little faster than they were showing earlier. Snow should be moving into Winnipeg by midday or early afternoon with northerly winds increasing in the afternoon as well as falling temperatures. Snowfall amounts of 2 to 5 cm possible by Sunday night with bulk of snow falling through Interlake region where 10-20 cm is possible. Blustery and colder for Monday although bulk of snow should be done by then. Still an icy drive expected for Monday morning commute.

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    1. Rob, I see on the your home webpage that there is a lot of pink on the radar returns in western Manitoba. Is there still a good risk of freezing rain also ??

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  3. Rob,
    Different sites are calling for snow on Friday and some are saying no snow. What's your prediction?

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    1. Looks like Friday is when the next clipper will be affecting southern MB, similar to the one today. Doesn't look like a lot of snow at this point, but perhaps a couple cm possible for Winnipeg. Still too early for more specifics, but as of now, I would say snow is more likely Friday than no snow.

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