weather winnipeg — After a very fast-moving Alberta clipper swept through Thursday, much of Southern Manitoba confronted difficult conditions on Friday’s morning commute, with wet snow accumulation, blowing snow and periods of greatly reduced visibility.
Weather Winnipeg: Commute Impact and Immediate Conditions
Streets and highways were described as snow-covered, snow-packed and ice-covered for Friday morning travel. Forecasters noted that the snow was moisture rich and, combined with relatively mild temperatures while it fell, much of it adhered to road surfaces, increasing the risk of slick travel. Early assessments placed snowfall in the 5 to 10 cm range across the Pembina and Red River Valley areas.
Snow Timeline, Amounts and Forecast Detail
The leading edge of the system arrived between 2: 00 pm and 3: 00 pm ET Thursday and intensified quickly, producing several centimetres of accumulation in a short period. By 10: 00 pm ET Thursday evening, the bulk of the snowfall had fallen in the affected area. Chris Sumner, a CMOS Accredited Weathercaster, said the forecast models struggled with the system’s exact evolution but that timing and snowfall amounts for the Pembina and Red River Valley were generally on target.
Winds, Visibility and Weekend Outlook
Gusty southeasterly winds, shifting northerly, produced blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility late Thursday afternoon into the evening. The Manitoba Ag Weather Network registered peak wind gusts over the past 24 hours as follows: Gretna 62 km/h at 2: 00 am ET, Emerson 59 km/h at 3: 00 am ET, Morden 57 km/h at 2: 00 am ET, Carman 52 km/h at 11: 00 pm ET and Pilot Mound 51 km/h at 9: 00 pm ET. These gusts contributed to brief but significant wind-driven snow and visibility issues.
Short-Term Outlook and Temperature Expectations
Surface high pressure building in on Friday is expected to provide some sunshine during the day. A colder air mass will settle in for the weekend, leaving daytime highs below average through most of the weekend and likely into Monday, with projected daytime temperatures in the -8 to -12 degree range. By comparison, average daytime temperatures for this point in March are around -1, with overnight averages near -10.
Authorities and road maintenance crews are contending with the aftermath of the clipper while drivers are being advised to prepare for continued snow-packed and icy surfaces during morning travel. The situation remains a travel hazard for those on regional streets and highways as crews work to clear and treat affected corridors.
