We are getting into our Monday with less than ideal driving conditions in the aftermath of yesterday's wet snow and freezing drizzle.
"That moisture-packed low pressure system delivered on what we expected for the Pembina and Red River Valleys," explained CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. "Those areas landed in that 7-10cm+ range of heavy, wet snow, and that was followed by a little bit of freezing drizzle in some pockets of the region Sunday night. Add in temperatures which dropped from just above freezing to well below overnight, and that slushy mess has now frozen."
For the latest Road Report and Cancellation information, click here.
Meanwhile snow parking bans are now in place Winkler and Morden, with street parking now prohibited until clearing operations are finished. Snow clearing began last night in Morden, with crews underway in Winkler, too. Vehicles parked on the street in both cities may receive a parking ticket.
"We're expecting periods of light snow and blowing snow throughout the day, as impacts from that low-pressure system continue to linger as it pushes eastward out of our region," said Sumner. "Northwesterly gusts up to 60 km/h will help usher in colder air throughout the day, with temperatures falling to -11 by this afternoon, while also leading to blowing and drifting snow throughout much of the day. The wind is expected to last until the Monday evening hours before diminishing overnight."
For the latest forecast details, click here.
He added the cold front associated with this low will begin the process of a much colder air-mass arriving than we had over the weekend, and also potentially some of the coldest temperatures of the season, so far. That secondary cold front may also kick off some light snow on Tuesday as it moves through.
"Upper level troughing is developing over the area today, and that will be further entrenched with a secondary cold front moving through Tuesday," said Sumner. "Along with surface high pressure building into the region by Wednesday, the combination will mean Arctic air sliding southward to our area, and sinking temperatures well into the -20s."
Right now, overnight lows Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are expected to range between -25 and -30, with day-time highs Wednesday and Thursday struggling to recover much, perhaps only to the -22 to -25 range. Mainly sunny conditions are expected for the middle of the week, with the help of that high pressure. Averages for this point in December are -8 daytime and -17 overnight.
Warmer, and closer to seasonal conditions, are expected to arrive for the weekend.