Shannon Dueck

A senior climatologist says southern Manitoba is in for a season that is warmer than normal.

Fall officially arrived at 7:43 am., Saturday. David Phillips with Environment Canada says forecasters seem to agree on what to expect for the months of September, October and November.

"Our models seem to suggest, the Americans are saying the same thing, Canadian models are saying warmer (than normal)," says Phillips. "And normal precipitation going forward."

Manitoba RCMP say STARS air ambulance was delayed in landing at a fatal crash in southeastern Manitoba earlier this month, because of a drone flying in the area. 

During the evening of September 3rd, Steinbach RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision along Provincial Road 210 at Road 41N, in the Rural Municipality of Ste. Anne. Police say a vehicle travelling north collided with a southbound vehicle.

The Member of Parliament for Provencher says what Conservatives are hearing from supporters is that they want an election, and the sooner the better.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will table a non-confidence motion next week aimed at toppling the Liberal government. His party will likely need the support of both the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois for the motion to pass.

Southern Manitoba is drenched after 24 hours of rain. 

According to Environment Canada, the rain and thunderstorms are supposed to let up this morning, before the sky clears. 

Manitoba Agriculture is reporting the following totals since the rain started (as of Tuesday at 11 a.m.):

It has been a stormy day for a large part of southcentral and southeastern Manitoba, complete with heavy rain, hail, strong winds and even a tornado warning.

According to Environment Canada, a fairly moisture-laden air mass is moving into southern Manitoba from the United States. This has resulted in thunderstorm activity throughout the day. 

It is not even fall, yet The Old Farmer's Almanac is providing a sneak peek at what we can expect for winter here in southern Manitoba.

Associate Editor Tim Goodwin says they are forecasting a colder than normal winter, with plenty of snow. And, he says the snow showers will start early.

"Beginning of November, you could be starting to see snow showers," he says. "And it's going to start to get cool."

A new edition of The Old Farmer's Almanac is now available. Those who read it will learn that the winter in southern Manitoba will be nothing like last winter.

A spokesperson for Southern Health-Sante Sud says hospitals in the region continue to handle a lot of cases that do not need to be seen at an emergency room (ER).

Dr. Aly Dhala is Chief Medical Officer. He says it has been a fairly busy summer at their emergency rooms, particularly at the regional centres. He notes the uptick in volume is related to closures and service disruptions at some smaller sites. As a result, patients then tend to go to the larger regional centres that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A spokesperson for Southern Health-Sante Sud says hospitals in the region continue to handle a lot of cases that do not need to be seen at an emergency room (ER).

Dr. Aly Dhala is Chief Medical Officer. He says it has been a fairly busy summer at their emergency rooms, particularly at the regional centres like Boundary Trails Health Centre. He notes the uptick in volume is related to closures and service disruptions at some smaller sites. As a result, patients then tend to go to the larger regional centres that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

With harvest underway in southern Manitoba, motorists are being reminded to watch out for farm equipment driving down roadways.

Morag Marjerison is Farm Safety Consultant with Keystone Agricultural Producers. Marjerison says awareness is key, noting that safety on the roads is the responsibility of all motorists. 

"Exercising patience and tolerance with each other are incredibly important," she says. "And I know that's easily said and not as easily done."

Manitoba is banning the use of cellphones by students in the classroom, beginning next month. 

Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare says this is being done to minimize distractions in schools. 

A press release issued by our provincial government says that to ensure consistency across the province, schools and school divisions will implement updated policies. However, the ban includes the following: