Blizzard Alert: Winnipeg Braces for Whiteout Conditions
Travel Woes Ahead as Blizzard Warning Takes Effect for the Red River Valley
Winnipeg’s Winter Weather Drama Unfolds
Winnipeg – WEATHER – A dramatic shift in the weather is barreling into Winnipeg, and it’s shaping up to be one for the books. Environment Canada has issued a Blizzard Warning for the city and surrounding Red River Valley, set to peak on Friday, January 17, 2025. Brace yourselves, Winnipeg residents: this isn’t your average winter storm. With winds threatening to hit hurricane-level gusts and visibility dropping to near-zero, it’s time to hunker down, pull out those emergency kits, and reconsider any travel plans.
Today’s Weather: Calm Before the Storm
At 3:00 AM CST Friday, January 17, the city was still relatively calm under cloudy skies. The temperature sat at 2.2°C, but it’s on a downward spiral as the cold front approaches. Winds from the west were blowing at 32 km/h with gusts up to 45 km/h, creating a wind chill of -9°C. Humidity levels were at 74%, with the barometric pressure at 98.8 kPa and falling—a clear sign of the incoming weather system. Visibility was a crisp 24 km this morning, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security.
Friday’s Blizzard Breakdown
As Friday progresses, the weather will take a dramatic turn. Snow will begin to fall early in the day as the cold front sweeps through. While the city may only see a few centimeters of snow, the real trouble will come from the ferocious winds and plunging temperatures.
By late morning, expect northwest winds to ramp up to 60 km/h, gusting as high as 90 to 100 km/h. These winds, combined with blowing snow, will create near-zero visibility and hazardous travel conditions throughout the day. The temperature will plummet to -17°C by the afternoon, with a wind chill of -31°C making frostbite a very real risk for anyone exposed to the elements.
The blizzard will begin to taper off in the evening, with winds easing to 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. However, it will remain bitterly cold overnight, with a low of -23°C and a wind chill near -34°C.
Weekend Outlook: Deep Freeze Ahead
After Friday’s blizzard, Winnipeg will be locked in a deep freeze through the weekend. Saturday, January 18, will be sunny but frigid, with a high of -22°C and a risk of frostbite lingering all day. Saturday night will see clear skies and a low of -27°C.
Sunday, January 19, continues the trend of bright but brutally cold weather. The high will reach -21°C, while Sunday night plunges to a bone-chilling -30°C. Monday, January 20, promises more of the same, with sunny skies and daytime highs near -23°C, accompanied by another -30°C overnight low.
Historic Weather Tidbits
For January 17 in Winnipeg’s weather history, the record high was a balmy 6.1°C, set in 1973. Compare that to the record low of -39.4°C from 1879, and it’s clear that the prairies know how to swing between extremes!
Wardrobe and Travel Tips
It’s time to gear up for survival mode. If you must venture outdoors during the blizzard, layer up with windproof outerwear, thermal gloves, hats, and scarves to protect against frostbite. Don’t forget snow boots with good traction—slipping on ice is a recipe for disaster in these conditions.
Travelers should reconsider any plans to hit the road. With near-zero visibility and blowing snow, the risk isn’t worth it. Stay home, sip some hot chocolate, and binge-watch your favorite show instead. If you do have to drive, pack an emergency kit, keep your phone charged, and don’t forget extra blankets.
Fun Prairie Weather Fact
Did you know that Winnipeg’s winds can rival those of tropical storms? Winds in excess of 70 km/h are common during blizzards here, making it feel like the prairies are trying to impersonate the coast!
