Winnipeg Snowfall Warning: Up to 30 cm Expected as Major Storm Approaches
Winnipeg is under a snowfall warning with up to 30 cm of snow expected by Friday night. Blowing snow, poor visibility, and tough travel conditions are on the way
WINNIPEG, MB – March 27, 2025 – Just when Manitobans were daring to dream of spring, winter is making an aggressive comeback. A Snowfall Warning is in effect for the City of Winnipeg, with 15 to 25 cm of snow expected, and some areas possibly topping 30 cm by Friday evening.
This prolonged and intense snowfall event is set to arrive this afternoon, bringing rapid accumulation, reduced visibility, and challenging travel conditions across southern Manitoba.
Current Conditions – Cold and Clear, but the Snow is Coming
As of 5:00 AM CDT at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, the skies are mainly clear, with a temperature of -6.8°C and a wind chill of -12°C thanks to a north wind at 12 km/h. Humidity is at 84%, and the barometric pressure is at 102.5 kPa and rising, suggesting a short-lived calm before conditions deteriorate this afternoon.
The day begins quietly, but don’t be fooled. Clouds will increase, and snow is set to begin later this afternoon, driven in by a strengthening northeast wind at 20 km/h by late day. The high will climb to -1°C, though it will feel like -10°C this morning and -5°C this afternoon. The UV index sits at 3, but don’t expect to see much sun once the flakes start falling.
Heavy Snow Moves In Tonight and Intensifies Friday
Thursday night, the snow will intensify, with 5 to 10 cm expected overnight. Winds will strengthen from the northeast at 30 km/h, gusting to 50, leading to localized blowing snow and poor visibility. The low will drop to -5°C, with a wind chill of -13°C overnight — the kind of weather that turns parked cars into snowbanks by morning.
Friday will be the storm’s peak, with heavy snowfall throughout the day, possibly exceeding 15 cm just on Friday alone. The northeast wind will increase to 40 km/h, gusting to 60, making for difficult travel in open areas and creating snow drifts and whiteout conditions. The high will be -2°C, but it’ll feel closer to -13°C. Prepare for slippery roads, reduced visibility, and perhaps some choice words while shovelling.
Friday night, snow continues with a low of -8°C, finally tapering off by late evening.
Weekend Forecast – Colder, Cloudy, and Eventually Sunny
Saturday will be cloudy with a high of -4°C, still feeling wintry but calmer after the storm. Saturday night dips to -10°C, and then Sunday brings sunshine — but don’t expect warmth. It’ll be sunny but brisk, with a high of -6°C and a deep overnight low of -20°C. That’s more January than April.
Monday continues the clear skies, with sunshine and a high of -6°C, followed by a much milder low of -10°C overnight. A small consolation prize after a snowy weekend.
Travel Advisory and Wardrobe Tips – Parka Weather and Patience Required
If you’re planning to travel, consider changing those plans — especially from Thursday night through Friday evening. Rapid snow accumulation and whiteout conditions are expected at times, especially on rural highways. This is the type of storm that makes windshield wipers cry and snow tires work overtime.
Dress for full-on winter: heavy coats, snow boots, thermal layers, and windproof accessories. You’ll want face protection for Friday’s gusty winds, and a sturdy shovel for the aftermath. And maybe a hot drink — or three.
Weather Records and Prairie Snow Power
Winnipeg’s record high for this date was a springy 16.4°C, set in 1986, while the record low plummeted to -30.0°C back in 1887. While we’re not breaking any records this time, a 30 cm snowfall in late March isn’t exactly rare in Manitoba — but it still comes with a certain “Really, again?” energy.
Did you know? Winnipeg’s snowiest March on record was in 1896, when 72.6 cm of snow fell in just one month. While this storm won’t break that record, it may help solidify March 2025’s spot in the top ten.
