A blustery and slippery start to Christmas weekend today. A Freezing Rain Warning has been issued by Environment Canada for the Pembina and Red River Valleys, as well as all of Southeastern Manitoba.

“A low pressure system moving through the province has triggered freezing rain Friday morning across Southern Manitoba on its warm side,” explained CMOS Accredited Weathercaster. “That will change to snow later this morning as the cold front arrives. The winds will pick up from the northwest as the front passes and much colder air rushes in.”

Northwesterly gusts up to 70 km/h are expected near noon, and then backing off as the day progresses.

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“With the light, fluffy snow we’ve received this week, yes, blowing snow and visibility will be an issue Friday morning and into the afternoon,” he noted “By the way, temperatures will drop from -1 to -3 range this morning to -12 to -14 by dinner tonight.”

Sumner said we’re expecting a chilly Christmas day as Arctic air dominates the region, highs around -16 to -18 under a cloudy sky. Boxing Day, at this point, is looking uneventful, with seasonal temperatures around -11, and a mix of sun and cloud as a warmer flow returns ahead of that Colorado Low we’re expecting to impact the area.

“Now, at this point, the forecast models are indicating this system should stay well to our south and east, but it will still bring snow beginning Sunday night, potentially lasting through most of Monday,” noted Sumner. “To conclude the active pattern, there is another fast moving low expected to bring another round of snowfall Tuesday.”

According to Sumner, the main snow maker is expected to be that Sunday/Monday system, which could produce 5 to 10cms, but that’s still uncertain at this point.

“Overall, from now through next Tuesday, it’s pretty likely most areas of Southern Manitoba will see upwards of 10+ cms.”

After that final system moves through Tuesday, bitterly cold arctic air will descend over the region

“And I mean very, very cold,” stressed Sumner. “Early indications, currently, are daytime highs mid next week to New Year’s weekend may be in the mid -20s, with overnight lows into the -30s. The take away this morning, expect some travel impacts as you celebrate Christmas weekend, and be prepared for bone-chilling temperatures to end the year.”