Justin Shelley, meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), says southern Manitoba is looking at a dry and cold work week ahead.

For the moment, Shelley explains that ECCC is tracking any major snowfall events on the horizon for Portage la Prairie.

"Some colder than normal temperatures are coming, certainly colder than what we've been experiencing in the region for the last seven to ten days."

Shelley says that colder-than-normal temperatures will persist this week into next, with overnight lows near –20. Typically, for this time of year, we would see overnight lows around –10 and daytime highs at 0°.

"We will see a lot of sun throughout the week as this cold Arctic Ridge sort of remains in place over the prairies."

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According to the meteorologist, one thing to keep an eye on during the weekend is a system that may impact portions of the province late Saturday and into Sunday.

"At this point, it looks like the bulk of that precipitation will remain south of the border, but it's certainly something we're keeping an eye on for the rest of the week."

Shelley says that Portage residents should watch those overnight lows, the coldest we have seen all month.

"Just to take precautions as needed there."