Wednesday could end up being the warmest day this month in Southern Manitoba. In Portage la Prairie, the temperature came in at just under 12 degrees (11.6) and Tuesday we were right around the 10 degree mark. These temperatures are well above normal for this time of year, but not quite a record. Average highs are around -1 and the record high yesterday is around 15.

As the temperature drops this morning, it looks like we will return to a day of more winter-like weather and light snow.

Environment Canada is expecting the temperature to fall to zero today along with a significant amount of snow. Early this morning a snowfall warning was issued as some areas may get around 10 centimeters of snow in a hurry. The initial forecast was for 2 to 4.

Meteorologist Samantha Mauti says our weather will take a sharp turn after today. Mauti says there is a low-pressure system developing in Montana. This low will skirt across the northern plains and southern prairies, bringing the possibility of snow through southern Manitoba for Thursday. 

"We're not expecting too much snow," she says. "It should be just a light dusting for many areas." 

Mauti says it appears the heavier snow will stay to the north of our region and the closer you are the Lake Manitoba, the higher the amounts may be.

Mauti adds winds will be from the north at 20 to 40 kilometres per hour (km/h) to start the day and notes it is possible for wind gusts of up to 60 km/h.

The winter-like weather on Thursday will be short-lived. Mauti explains that there is a ridge building behind the low-pressure system. As a result, temperatures will soar well above normal again, beginning Friday where the high is expected at five degrees, while Saturday and Sunday could reach highs of seven or eight degrees. The record high for November 18th is 9.4 degrees set in 1963. This all comes after experiencing everything from rain, freezing rain, flurries, snow and ice late last week.

According to Environment Canada, temperatures should return to normal for the early part of next week, when daytime highs are expected to dip below the freezing mark again.

 

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