As we head into this mid-March weekend, expect ever-changing weather conditions in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.
First, a significant snowfall is underway in northern and central Manitoba on Friday.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued snowfall warnings for many communities, from Flin Flon and The Pas, through Norway House, Thompson, Gillam, up to Churchill.
The weather agency said heavy snow will taper off from west to east starting Friday evening, adding 15-25 cm of total accumulation by the last of the snow on Sunday.
That’s just the beginning.
Next up, a complex atmospheric setup, including a Colorado low, could potentially send all manner of precipitation to areas further south.
Light snow is expected Friday afternoon in the southwest, including Brandon. Freezing rain could also be in the mix.
In Winnipeg and southeast, rain showers are possible and could start by late Friday afternoon or early evening, as strong and gusting northwest winds develop. Freezing rain is also possible before snow late tonight.
By Saturday, the southwest will return to sunnier skies.
As for Winnipeg and the southeast, snow is possible on Saturday. Blowing snow is also possible in strong northwest winds.
A winter storm warning is in effect for northwestern Ontario for Saturday, where rain mixing with freezing rain or ice pellets and heavy snow, at times, are all expected.
Overall, this is a tricky system to forecast. As for southern Manitoba, ECCC said its impact is expected to be less than a typical Colorado low, but adds they are fickle.
