Southern Manitoba could be experiencing double digit temperatures by the middle of next week.
That is according to Scott Kehler, a meteorologist with Weatherlogics. He notes for the last while we have been stuck in a weather pattern that has had frequent high-pressure systems coming down from the Arctic, blasting us with shots of cold air.
"We warm up a little bit but then just as that warmup is starting to really feel like spring, another Arctic air mass comes down and hits us," explains Kehler.
He notes the result is not nearly as bad as if this were to happen in January. However, Kehler says it is keeping our weather on the cooler side and resulting in spring being slow to get going.
And, though southern Manitoba has seen snow on and off the last few days, Kehler says it pales in comparison to what our neighbours to the south have been experiencing. He notes there have been a couple of large winter storms in recent weeks that have hit the Northcentral part of the United States, particularly the Dakotas and Minnesota.
"Southern Manitoba did get clipped by one of those (Wednesday) and it did bring a bit of snow, but nowhere near as much as they saw to the south of us," he says.
According to Kehler, southern Manitoba should start to experience a more spring-like pattern early next week. He notes by Tuesday or Wednesday we should see temperatures climb consistently into double digits. In fact, Kehler says within the next two weeks we could even get close to 20 degrees.
"So regardless, we might not hit 20, but either way we should be well into the teens most days," he says. "It will feel much more spring-like, beginning next week and then carrying on from there."
Kehler explains that as we get into next week, the Arctic air will finally move out of the way, allowing for any lingering snow to melt. He says once the snow is gone, it will help boost temperatures as the ground will be able to better absorb the sunlight.
Kehler says the warmer weather pattern, beginning next week, will be felt across North America. He notes that already in recent days there have been severe weather outbreaks across the Midwest and into the southern United States from warmer, more humid air masses coming north.
Meanwhile, Kehler says though he is not currently tracking any significant storms, that does not mean we have seen the last of the snow. He adds the month of April typically brings about 10 centimetres of snow to Steinbach and area. However, because of the time of year, Kehler says whatever snow might fall, will probably melt just as quickly.
"The odds of us really returning to a wintry pattern right now are extremely slim," he assures.
