Return of snow to southern Manitoba closes long stretch of Highway 1 west of Headingley

It's been running a bit behind schedule, but winter weather looks like it's finally arriving in Manitoba. 

And with that weather comes highway closures. 

Highway 1 in both directions from Highway 21 to Headingley was closed Friday night. That stretch of the Trans-Canada covers more than 220 kilometres, including the main approaches to Brandon from the east and west. 

Snowfall warnings are in place for part of southern Manitoba Friday night in the Rural Municipality of Argyle including Baldur Glenora and Greenway, with 10-15 centimetres expected, according to Environment Canada. 

The total accumulations across the province will vary because some areas have experienced spring-like weather over the past couple of days, which means the ground is still warm enough to cause some melting, Environment Canada said.

Seven communities around the province set records for new daytime highs on Wednesday. Winnipeg hit 7 C that day but didn't set a record.

It did, however, make a mark in the record books on Thursday, when it reached a high of 8.6 C. The old record of 5 C was set in 1939. The normal high for this time of year is –9 C.

There have been shovel-worthy snowfalls already this season, including one just before Halloween, but the temperatures have rebounded every time to melt it away.

Winnipeg isn't under the current snowfall warning but the forecast is for a shift from the warmth.

Temperatures were expected to fall through with the day on Friday, with periods of rain changing to freezing rain and then snow.

The city could see up to five centimetres of snow, but it's the cold northwest wind that will really be felt. Gusts of up to 50 km/h are expected in the morning and then 70 km/h in the afternoon, creating a wind chill of –11.

Daytime highs closer to the normal for this time of year are forecast to follow in the days ahead.