Shannon Dueck

After enduring the coldest two-week stretch of the winter, a big shift in the weather is on its way for residents of southern Manitoba. 

Meteorologist Andy Yun with Environment Canada says the cold air is the result of the polar vortex being firmly entrenched over the eastern Arctic, most of the Prairies and down into eastern Canada. So far this winter, there have been nine days where the temperature has dipped below -30 degrees, and five of those days have happened since February 11th. 

It is a sign that spring is around the corner.

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure announced Tuesday that it will begin its annual ice-cutting program this week along the Red River. The ice-cutting and breaking work is done to reduce the potential impacts of ice-jam-related flooding.

Birders from around the planet will be taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count this weekend.

Matt Gasner is Conservation Planning Coordinator for Nature Conservancy of Canada. He notes this is a global event that runs from Friday through Monday. 

Southern Health-Sante Sud will soon begin the search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

The Regional Health Authority has announced that effective immediately, Jane Curtis is leaving the role, after accepting the interim CEO position of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA). 

We are two weeks away from the 46th annual general meeting (AGM) for Manitoba Beef Producers. The two-day event takes place February 20th and 21st at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre in Winnipeg.

General Manager Carson Callum says the AGM features a lot of great speakers. He notes it starts with an Industry Knowledge Session on Day 1, led by Dr. Eric Behlke of TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods.

A spokesperson for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) says in recent years speed has been the leading cause of snowmobile fatalities in our province. 

Tara Seel is Media and Public Relations Lead with MPI. She says from 2021 to 2024, there were 12 snowmobile fatalities in Manitoba. Though speed was determined to be the leading cause, other factors included alcohol impairment, lack of helmet use, driver inexperience, and careless driving.

When it comes to speed, Seel says some of that can be attributed to the rider not knowing the strength of the machine. 

On cold days like this, Manitoba Hydro would like to remind the public never to plug in a vehicle inside a garage.

Spokesperson Peter Chura says there have been a number of garage fires in our province already this year that are related to block heaters and extension cords. Manitoba Hydro says though block heaters keep cars running in the winter, they can be dangerous if not properly used.

On cold days like this, Manitoba Hydro would like to remind the public never to plug in a vehicle inside a garage.

Spokesperson Peter Chura says there have been a number of garage fires in our province already this year that are related to block heaters and extension cords. Manitoba Hydro says though block heaters keep cars running in the winter, they can be dangerous if not properly used.

"Don't plug in your vehicle inside the garage," warns Chura. "Fires inside the garage are very dangerous."

On cold days like this, Manitoba Hydro would like to remind the public never to plug in a vehicle inside a garage.

Spokesperson Peter Chura says there have been a number of garage fires in our province already this year that are related to block heaters and extension cords. Manitoba Hydro says though block heaters keep cars running in the winter, they can be dangerous if not properly used.

An Alberta Clipper is headed our way. Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada says it will bring stormy conditions to Southern Manitoba on Friday. This has prompted a Winter Storm Watch to be issued.

Prior to that, Hasell says Thursday will see temperatures around the freezing mark, with a chance of flurries and a risk of freezing rain for this part of the province. Then, as the low-pressure system passes through overnight, it will bring about a change in our weather.