A much-needed warm-up is happening on the Prairies, but it will come at a cost of freezing rain, snow and dangerous travel conditions for eastern sections Sunday and into Monday.
Freezing rain can cause slippery and dangerous driving conditions, especially when combined with a fresh blanket of snow on top, so be sure to take caution as you head out, if you choose to do so, on Sunday and Monday.
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Numerous freezing rain warnings are in place for parts of southeastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery
Ice accretion potential impacts explainer
Slow down while driving in slippery conditions as poor weather conditions will likely result in travel delays. Ice buildup may cause tree branches to break.
Driving safety tips
With slippery conditions anticipated, here are a few driving safety tips drivers should consider before hitting the roads.
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Prepare your vehicle: Check road conditions, fuel up, top up fluids, clear snow, and install winter tires.
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Plan your trip: Choose main roads, inform others of your route, and avoid rush.
Getty Images | Credit: Pannonia: Winter tires. Driving in snow. Car tires in snow. Creative #: 182397512. E+. Link: https://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/photo/car-tires-leaving-a-track-in-the-snow-royalty-free-image/182397512?phrase=winter%20tires&searchscope=image%2Cfilm&adppopup=true
(Getty Images/Pannonia)
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Drive safely: Leave space, avoid sudden manoeuvres, limit cruise control, and stay calm if stuck.
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Stay prepared: Pack a winter survival kit and keep your phone charged.
Sunday into Monday: freezing rain transitions into snow
A low tracking through the northern Plains in the U.S. will bring moisture into the eastern Prairies and northwestern Ontario on Sunday. The rain, combined with increasing temperatures will ensure that the precipitation that falls on Sunday will begin as freezing rain, before transitioning over to snow as the readings fall in the evening.
Prairies precipitation timing Sunday afternoon
The freezing rain will begin Sunday morning in southeastern Saskatchewan, impacting Regina and Weyburn, Sask., and pushing into parts of western Manitoba. Areas east of Regina have the potential to see 3-5 hours of freezing rain.
Freezing drizzle will also be an issue in northwestern Ontario as the moisture moves in through the day Sunday before changing to snow overnight.
Slippery driving and walking conditions can be anticipated across the region.
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Freezing rain risk Sunday eastern Prairies
The snow will then begin developing on Sunday afternoon in eastern Saskatchewan, which will then reach across and envelop southern Manitoba by Sunday night, impacting Winnipeg with 5-10cm for the duration.
Snow will linger on Monday morning for parts of eastern Manitoba as it continues to spread across northwestern Ontario during the day.
Southern Manitoba is also expected to see wind gusts of 40-60 km/h, potentially impacting visibility along with the falling flurries.
Prairie and northwestern Ontario snowfall accumulation through Monday
Looking ahead, temperatures will take another nosedive behind the system, with Arctic air moving in, bottoming out on Wednesday with highs around -20°C. However, the dive will be followed by a brief warm-up before another shot of Arctic air arrives in time for the weekend, then trending much milder before Christmas and beyond.
As well, couple of systems will bring snow to northern areas, but no major storms––just some snow at times along the warm and cold fronts as they track across the region.
Stay tuned to The Weather Network for more forecast updates across the Prairies and northwestern Ontario.