Unusual warmth for this time of year sets records across region

For the second consecutive day, new daytime high records were set across the province, with Environment Canada reporting 16 new all-time highs for January 30th, including many in Southern Manitoba.

"The reason for this historically warm weather at the end of January is pretty straightforward," explained CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. "A very strong upper level ridge of high pressure, coupled with a strong jet stream, prompted by the effects of El Nino in the Pacific. The jet stream is moving warm, Pacific air across the Prairies, and the air descending from that upper high pressure ridge is warming as it sinks through the atmosphere. You put that together, and you have what we have right now, which is exceptionally warm weather for this time of year."

The warmest temperature in the province, recorded by Environment Canada, was in McCreary, which reached 14.2 degrees, beating the old record of 10.7 set in 1999.

More records will likely be set Wednesday, with sunshine expected and highs between 8 and 10.

"To put this all in perspective, exactly one year ago on January 31st, 2023, we woke up to an overnight low of about -30," noted Sumner. "Later in the day, we hit a high of just -18, which will be at least 25 degrees colder than what we’re looking at for a high today."

Averages for the final day of January are -9 for a daytime high and -19 for an overnight low.

The following temperatures are courtesy of Environment Canada, reported in Celsius, and are for January 30th, 2024.

Morden Area 
New record of 8.2 
Old record of 7.0 set in 1993 
Records in this area have been kept since 1895

Winkler Area 
New record of 8.2 
Old record of 7.0 set in 1993 
Records in this area have been kept since 1904 

Carman Area 
New record of 7.9 
Old record of 6.5 set in 1993 
Records in this area have been kept since 1895 

Pilot Mound Area 
New record of 5.8 
Old record of 2.3 set in 2016 
Records in this area have been kept since 1938 

Altona Area 
New record of 4.9 
Old record of 4.5 set in 1993 
Records in this area have been kept since 1949 

Gretna Area 
New record of 4.9 
Old record of 4.5 set in 1993 
Records in this area have been kept since 1949 

Winnipeg Area 
New record of 3.4 
Old record of 3.3 set in 1964 
Records in this area have been kept since 1872