Ample sunshine, warm southerly winds and upper-level ridging helped usher in a well-above-average airmass to Southern Manitoba yesterday, and even though it may not have been a record-breaking day in many locations, it was still unusually warm for this time of year. In Portage, the record high for December 6th was 8.9 Celcius set in 2015. The official high from yesterday will go in the books at 8.5.
-7 is the normal daytime high for December 6th, and some locations were more than 15 degrees above that. The following readings are courtesy of Environment Canada:
Melita - 9.6
Carman - 9.2
Dauphin - 8.9
Emerson - 8.9
Brandon - 8.7
Portage 8.5
Pilot Mound - 8.2
Steinbach - 7.8
Winnipeg - 6.4
Gimli - 6.0
Similar conditions are expected again today, with highs landing around 5 degrees in the Central Plains and slightly higher in Westman. According to Environment, the following are the current records for December 7th.
Gretna - 10.6 (2015)
Melita - 9.1 (2015)
Pilot Mound - 9.0 (2015)
Portage la Prairie - 8.6 (2015)
Carman - 8.6 (2015)
Brandon (airport) - 6.3 (1999)
Winnipeg (airport) - 5.0 (1939)
If you like the mild conditions make sure to get outside and enjoy them today as a low-pressure system is moving into the region tonight. The system will bring snow, the risk of freezing rain, and gusty conditions throughout Friday. A snowfall warning has already been issued for areas NW of Portage around Dauphin where the highest amounts are expected. Portage is expected to be in the 5 to 10 cm range. Following the snow, the sun will return on Saturday however temperatures are expected to return to seasonal after the system moves through and we get into next week.
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