Alberta clipper set to end mild temperatures in southern Manitoba as storm rolls through Prairies next week

Parts of Manitoba should brace for 10 to 20 centimetres of snow early next week as an Alberta clipper crosses the Prairies, Environment Canada says.

Special weather statements are in effect for southern and central Manitoba, as well as in Saskatchewan, with the weather agency warning the fast-moving clipper — a storm that develops on the east side of the Rocky Mountains — will start developing Sunday night.

The snowfall is expected to start in central Manitoba Sunday and fall through Tuesday morning, Environment Canada says. 

The southernmost parts of the province will likely avoid the heavier snow, though freezing rain is likely from Sunday night through Monday morning, it said.

Strong winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour will likely lead to blowing snow in central Manitoba and reduce visibility. Travel will likely be affected, Environment Canada warns.

"The mild temperatures [in central Manitoba] ahead of the system this weekend will plummet rapidly once the clipper passes by on Monday," its weather statement said.

Morning lows in central Manitoba will close in at –30 C on Tuesday, with wind chill values nearing –40, according to Environment Canada.

In the south, temperatures are forecast to drop to –20 C, with wind chill values between –30 and –35 on Tuesday.

Monday's temperatures during the daytime, however, are forecast to remain well above the freezing mark, before the clipper hits the region.

'Big shifts'

Natalie Hasell, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, urged Manitobans to take precautions as temperatures swing wildly.

"Southern Manitoba is prone to some big shifts when we have strong low-pressure systems with very active fronts go through," she said.

"That tends to allow the air in the warm sector to be brought from a greater distance … and then the cold front bringing down the air from the Arctic — and of course, there's no topography to stop that air from the Arctic."

Hassel said it's important to pay attention to changing road conditions, and travellers should make sure they carry a winter emergency kit.

She also urged people to avoid exposure to the elements longer than necessary as the temperature drops.

The bitter cold is likely to last a couple of days before moderating late next week, Environment Canada said.

As of Friday afternoon, the special weather statement is in effect in the following areas:

• City of Winnipeg.
• Arborg, Hecla, Fisher River, Gypsumville, Ashern.
• Berens River, Little Grand Rapids, Bloodvein, Atikaki.
• Bissett, Victoria Beach, Nopiming Provincial Park, Pine Falls.
• Brandon, Neepawa, Carberry, Treherne.
• Dauphin, Russell, Roblin, Winnipegosis.
• Dugald, Beausejour, Grand Beach.
• Grand Rapids, Waterhen.
• Killarney, Pilot Mound, Manitou.
• Melita, Boissevain, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park.
• Minnedosa, Riding Mountain National Park.
• Morden, Winkler, Altona, Morris.
• Poplar River.
• Portage la Prairie, Headingley, Brunkild, Carman.
• Selkirk, Gimli, Stonewall, Woodlands.
• Sprague, Northwest Angle Provincial Forest.
• Ste. Rose, McCreary, Alonsa, Gladstone.
• Steinbach, St. Adolphe, Emerson, Vita, Richer.
• Swan River, Duck Mountain, Porcupine Provincial Forest.
• Virden, Souris.
• Whiteshell, Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa.