A potent cold front moving through Southern Manitoba Sunday has brought very strong northwesterly winds, and blustery conditions throughout the Pembina and Red River Valleys. Wind gusts up 80 km/h, combined with light snow that fell Saturday and overnight into Sunday morning, has led to significantly reduced visibility in blowing snow. Environment Canada issued a Blowing Snow Advisory for the entire Red River Valley and Southeastern corner of the province earlier in the day, but lifted it around 5 p.m.

These conditions led to a number of highway closures earlier Sunday. As of 5 p.m. Sunday all highways across the province were reopened. Conditions are still not optimal, though, with partly snow covered conditions being reported with reduced visibility in blowing and drifting snow.

Winds are expected to be strong throughout Sunday, but will diminish somewhat Sunday afternoon to 40 km/h gusting to 60 km/h. They will become light overnight into Monday.

CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner says another round of cold arctic air will arrive with the passage of the cold front, and that means a continuation of well below average temperatures for the coming week. "Average daytime highs for this time of year are around -5, and Monday and Tuesday temperatures will be in the -17 range," explains Sumner. "Looking at the long range forecast, there is little indication of a return to normal over the next 7 to 10 days. In fact, the first two weeks of March are looking like they will be well below average."

For the latest road report information, and a complete list of cancellations, click here.