Another rainy day in Southern Manitoba has brought more precipitation to regions which have already had their fill of the wet stuff over the past several weeks, as yet another moisture laden low pressure system crossed the province Thursday, and continues to bring shower activity Friday morning to some areas.
"We are expecting those showers to taper off before noon today, if they haven't already in your area," said CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner Friday morning. "We may see an additional few millimeters before the rain ends, but the bulk of the precipitation has fallen in most locations. As this system pulls eastward, gusty northerly winds up to 60 km/h will push a cold front through Southern Manitoba, and that will drop temperatures throughout the morning hours, landing somewhere between 4 and 6, which is well below average for this time of year. That influx of cold air, combined with the lingering shower activity, may also lead to a wet flurry or two in some places this morning."
Average daytime highs for this point in May are 22, with overnight lows around 7.
Sumner stressed green-thumbs should keep a very close eye on the overnight lows for Friday and Saturday. With limited cloud cover expected, and a cold air-mass in place, temperatures will likely dip to near freezing throughout much of Southern Manitoba.
"If you've already planted your annuals or potted veggies, having the blankets ready to cover them up would be a very good idea."
The following totals are courtesy of PembinaValleyOnline Rainwatchers, Environment Canada and the Manitoba Ag Weather Network. All readings are in millimeters, and are through Friday, May 20th at 5 a.m.
Steinbach - 34.3mm (almost 1.4 inches)
Woodmore - 32.5mm (1.3 inches)
Somerset area - 30mm (1.2 inches)
Winnipeg - 29.8mm (almost 1.2 inches)
Brunkild/Elm Creek - 27.9mm (just over 1.1 inches)
Emerson - 27.0mm
Somserset - 24.9mm (almost 1 inch)
Manitou - 22.6mm
Carman - 20.2mm (about 8/10ths)
Dominion City - 19.4mm
Pilot Mound - 18.3mm
Morden - 17.8mm
Morris - 17.7mm (about 7/10ths)
Gnadenthal - 17.5mm (7/10ths)
Winkler - 16.8mm
Gretna - 16.3mm
Altona (in town) - 15mm (6/10ths)
25mm = 1 inch
Looking ahead to May Long Weekend, and the unofficial start to Summer, Sumner noted the faucet will turn off for the next several days, sunshine will return and a slow warming trend will begin. He pointed out there is a chance of showers Saturday as a weak disturbance moves through the northern U.S., but it's not expected, at this time, to be a significant rain maker.
"High pressure is set to build in over the much of the eastern Prairies over the next several days, and an upper level trough will allow very cold air for this time of year to slide southward," he said. "That's what's behind the significant cool down Friday and Saturday. Highs tomorrow will more than likely remain in the upper single digits, but rebound substantially for Sunday and Victoria Day Monday."
According to the Environment Canada forecast highs Sunday and Monday will be around 16 to 18
"A westerly flow, and then a southerly flow, will develop Sunday into Monday, and that will bring a return to warmer temperatures, still several degrees below seasonal for this time of year, but ten degrees warmer, or more, than Friday and Saturday," he said. "Looking ahead to next week, the early indications are for less active pattern, with limited chances of rain, and ultimately a return to average temperatures for this time of year mid-week."