Manitoba Weather: Colorado brings a low rain-snow mix, dropping temperatures

A Colorado low approaching southern Manitoba could bring precipitation and lower temperatures in the coming days.

Environment Canada and Climate Change (ECCC) issued a special weather statement Wednesday morning for much of southern Manitoba, including Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage-la-Prairie and Dauphin.

The system is expected to move into milder temperatures with mixed rainfall beginning Wednesday night.

“A sharp line of rain and snow is expected to parallel southern Lake Manitoba and extend northeast toward Lake Winnipeg and the Ontario border. However, there is uncertainty about the exact location of this border,” the report said.

The ECCC expects snow to move across southwestern Manitoba through the Interlake on Wednesday night, tapering off Thursday night. Between 10 and 15 centimeters could fall during that time, with about 25 centimeters near Riding Mountain National Park.

Additionally, the Red River Valley and southeastern Manitoba will begin participation Wednesday night with rain. A line of rain and snow will move east Thursday afternoon, when the rain will change to snow.

Roads and sidewalks are expected to be slippery through Friday morning.

There is also a risk of freezing rain during this period, ECCC said.

However, according to the weather agency, the amount of rainfall in the area is still unknown. According to the preliminary forecast, 15 millimeters of rain and 5-10 centimeters of snow will fall in the Red River valley and points in the eastern direction.

Heavy rainfall is expected near the Ontario border.

A return to cool but unseasonably warm temperatures is also on the cards for the weekend and into next week.