Manitobans will get a taste of winter weather this week, and are pretty much assured of a white Christmas. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for all of Southern Manitoba ahead of the arrival of a potent Pacific low pressure system Tuesday.

"The heaviest snow is still expected to be along and north of the Trans Canada highway, with those regions expected to receive 15 to 25cms Tuesday. Areas south, toward the US. Border, are expected to see lesser amounts, more than likely in the 5 to 15 cm range," said CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner Monday morning.

The strong low pressure system will track along the international border Tuesday with heavy snow expected to begin in the southwest Tuesday morning, spreading quickly eastward throughout the day and continuing into Tuesday night.

Visibility will also be an issue, with strong winds developing.

"Those strong winds will intensify throughout the day to northerly 60 gusting to 70 kilometers per hour by the time Tuesday evening arrives which will lead to significantly reduced visibility, and difficult driving conditions," explained Sumner. "I realize we’re all sticking close to home this week, but if you’re home is outside of town, like many of us are, driving will be a challenge by Tuesday afternoon, and definitely Tuesday night."

The snow and wind will both ease Wednesday morning as the system moves eastward out of the province.

Temperatures will also take a plunge Tuesday and Wednesday as the system arrives and moves out of the area.

"Let’s start with this system clearing out overnight Tuesday to Wednesday, with some sunshine expected then, but the windy conditions will continue Wednesday, meaning blowing snow will still be a concern," noted Sumner. "Temperatures will take a dive, as high pressure from the north builds in, and we see temperatures struggle to reach the mid minus teens Wednesday and Christmas eve, back to seasonal for Christmas and Boxing Day, in the -8 to -12 range, with lots of sunshine expected."

Sumner added, after Tuesday, the long range forecast models are showing little to no chance of additional snow through Boxing Day.