Weather in a Nutshell
Winnipeg weather: Winter Storm Watch in effect. Snow and strong winds Friday with a temperature drop to -15°C. Weekend lows of -28°C to -31°C. Frostbite risk high.
Alberta Clipper Set to Shake Things Up
Winnipeg is under a Winter Storm Watch, with an Alberta clipper preparing to barrel into the Red River Valley starting Friday morning.
This system will bring snow, gusty winds, and the potential for hazardous travel conditions. As of 7:00 AM CST today, the temperature at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport is -6°C under mostly cloudy skies. Winds from the west-northwest are blowing at 15 km/h, making it feel like a frosty -12°C. The humidity is at 89%, keeping the air damp, while visibility remains clear at 24 km. The barometric pressure is rising at 101.5 kPa—a brief calm before the storm.
Thursday, January 16: Cloudy With Flurries and Windy Conditions
Today will see a mix of sun and cloud, with a 60% chance of flurries developing late in the afternoon. Winds will transition from light this morning to a gusty south wind of 30 km/h, reaching up to 50 km/h by the afternoon. Temperatures will climb to a high of -2°C, though the wind chill will keep it feeling like -12°C in the morning and -7°C by the afternoon.
Tonight, the sky will remain mostly cloudy with a continued 60% chance of flurries early in the evening. Winds will strengthen further, reaching 40 km/h from the south, gusting to 60 km/h before shifting west at 30 km/h near midnight. Temperatures will rise slightly, reaching -1°C by morning, but with a wind chill that will make it feel closer to -10°C.
Friday, January 17: Snow, Blowing Snow, and Plummeting Temperatures
Friday will bring the Alberta clipper into full force, delivering periods of snow through the morning and early afternoon. Strong northwest winds of 40 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, will intensify further to north winds of 60 km/h, gusting to 80 km/h by late morning. This will create blowing snow, with visibility likely reduced at times. Depending on the snowpack and surface conditions, there’s a possibility of blizzard-like conditions in parts of the region.
Temperatures will take a sharp nosedive throughout the day, falling from -9°C in the morning to a bone-chilling -15°C by afternoon. Wind chills will worsen dramatically, dropping to a biting -28°C in the afternoon. Frostbite risks will be high, so limit outdoor exposure and dress warmly.
Friday night will see the skies clear, but the temperature will plummet even further, with a low of -23°C expected.
Saturday, January 18, and Beyond: Arctic Freeze Settles In
Saturday will dawn bright and sunny, but the cold will be unrelenting. The high for the day will reach only -23°C, with wind chills making it feel even colder. Saturday night will see clear skies and a low of -28°C.
Sunday will bring more sunshine, but the frigid temperatures will persist, with a high of -23°C and another teeth-chattering low of -31°C Sunday night. The Arctic blast is here to stay, so get ready for a frosty weekend.
Travel and Safety Tips
The Alberta clipper will make travel conditions difficult on Friday, with reduced visibility in blowing snow and icy surfaces on roads, parking lots, and walkways. If you must travel, ensure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials like water, food, blankets, and a flashlight. Inform others of your travel plans, and keep your phone fully charged.
Historic Highs and Lows
On January 16, Winnipeg’s record high was a toasty 5.0°C, set in 1981—imagine that warmth right now! The record low, a bone-chilling -41.1°C, was recorded in 1997. While this week’s lows won’t break records, they’ll certainly remind us that Manitoba winters mean serious business.
What to Wear
Layer up, Winnipeg! Today’s wind chill of -12°C means you’ll want a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and a scarf. By Friday, when wind chills drop to -28°C, thermal layers and face coverings will be essential. Saturday and Sunday will bring extreme cold, so break out the heavy-duty gear—thick coats, insulated boots, and everything windproof. Keep your skin covered to prevent frostbite.
Fun Weather Trivia
Did you know that Winnipeg is the coldest major city in Canada? It holds the nickname “Winterpeg” for a reason, with an average of 113 days of frost annually. Bundle up, because the city is living up to its frosty reputation this week!
