What is the weatherman calling for this May long weekend?

This May long weekend should see temperatures that are warmer than normal for southern Manitoba. And Justin Shelley with Environment Canada says it will be dry.

Many folks in southern Manitoba would agree that the May long weekend seems to be a magnet for rain. Well, Shelley says it is looking pretty dry for Saturday, Sunday and most of Monday. Any rain that arrives Monday is expected to wait until the overnight hours. 

"Generally speaking, things are looking pretty good for the long weekend," says Shelley. "We're looking at mainly sunny skies starting (Friday) and that's gonna last up through Sunday at least, with temperatures in the low to mid 20s."

But Shelley notes they are expecting hazy conditions to return on Saturday. 

"It shouldn't be necessarily too smoky," says Shelley. "The air quality might be hindered a bit, might see some moderate values but not expecting high or very high values of air quality, so that's good."

He notes the haze will likely stick around through Sunday and into Monday. Shelley encourages residents to keep an eye on the forecast and for any alerts that might come out.

Shelley says there is a system moving into the region on Monday that should warm the air considerably. He notes temperatures could touch 30 degrees on Monday. And, he says strong winds from the south will gust to 40 to 50 kilometres per hour that day.  

"Then once we hit the evening and certainly the overnight hours, we will see some rain move into the region," says Shelley. "So, you should be pretty good for most of your plans up until Monday evening and then we will expect to see some rain move in."

If you are thinking of planting your garden this weekend, Shelley says there is no threat of frost, with Friday night's low of eight degrees expected to be the coldest part of the weekend. He notes they are anticipating overnight temperatures on Saturday and Sunday to be in the double digits.

"So, looking good for the plants this long weekend," he adds. "Looking like we're going to be frost free here."

Click here to view the full 5-day forecast.