If you were hoping the return of warmer temperatures this weekend was going to last, you’re in for a rude awakening this week with a winter storm poised to blast the region Monday night through Tuesday. Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for all of Southern Manitoba ahead of the system’s arrival.

“It’s another Alberta Clipper bringing this latest round of wintry conditions, but unlike last week’s low, this one is expected to impact a wider swath of Southern Manitoba, and may also pack a bigger snowy punch,” said CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. “This system will be crossing the Prairies Monday, impacting our area in the evening, into the overnight and throughout Tuesday. Heavy snowfall, strong winds and generally what you would expect from a winter storm is what we’re looking at.”

According to Environment Canada The area of heaviest snow will include the Parkland region, much of the Red River Valley including Winnipeg, and the Whiteshell. Storm-total accumulations in these areas of 10 to 20cm of snow are possible.

“As we’ve seen a few times this winter, the snow is just one part of the storm story,” said Sumner. “Gusty winds will lead to blowing snow, reduced visibility and difficult driving conditions, as well. Strong northwesterly winds will develop early Tuesday, generally in the 40 to 50 km/h range, as the system moves southeastward into the U.S., and then tracks across the Dakotas and Minnesota. The strongest winds are expected in the Red River Valley, where gusts up to 70 km/h are likely. As you can imagine, combining that 10 to 20cms of snow with those winds gusts, blowing snow will be a significant factor.”

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Conditions will improve Wednesday with winds diminishing and sunshine returning, but along with that sunshine will be another stretch of cold weather.

“A ridge of arctic high pressure will build in behind this system, and that means a return to below average temperatures starting Wednesday,” noted Sumner. “We’re looking at highs Wednesday between -21 and -23, with most of the week topping out between -17 and -20 during the day. Overnight lows aren’t expected to be as bitterly cold as they were earlier this month, outside of Tuesday and Wednesday night which may flirt with -30. At this point, the long range-forecast models are indicating this cold snap won’t last too long, with seasonal temperatures expected to return early next week.”

The average daytime high of this point in January is -12, with an overnight low of -21.

Getting back to the wintry wallop Monday night and Tuesday, Sumner stressed keeping an eye on the forecast, and being prepared to alter plans as needed.

“Tuesday will more than likely be a very blustery and snowy day, so get the snow blower gassed up ahead of time, because you’re probably going to need it.”