Winter is coming: Environment Canada predicting snow in Winnipeg this week

After being spoiled by above-seasonal temperatures, snow, and the cold are moving into the city, but are Winnipeggers ready for it?

“Of course, I’m from Winnipeg, I’ve lived here all my life and the snow is part of living here,” said one Winnipeg CityNews spoke to.

Another saying, “No way! It’s bad enough it’s raining, but at least it’s warm still, so that‘s good.”

Environment Canada is forecasting that Winnipeg could see snow as early as Wednesday, with the possibility of up to 10 centimeters of snow falling by the evening.

Natalie Hasell a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada says “We don’t have a firm range because if it falls as rain first, then you are not going to get as much snow and what snow does fall is probably going to melt on contact until it starts accumulating.

“People should be ready for poor road conditions both in terms of slipperiness and things slowing you down on the highway.”

After Wednesday, Environment Canada is forecasting flurries for Thursday evening and Friday during the day, but accumulation totals at this time are still unknown.

“The Thursday, Friday system could be very little, or Winnipeg could see up to 15 or 20 centimetres depending on which model you listen to,” said Hasell.

Regardless of how much snow falls on the ground, the City of Winnipeg says they are ready.

New this year according to the city, all sidewalk priorities will be cleared of snow after 5 cm of accumulation.

“The city is prepared and has been preparing for the past few months. We are looking to make sure that we have the right equipment in place, materials, and contractors to assist us with any snow activities that we might get this week,” said Michael Cantor, Manager of Streets with the City of Winnipeg.

But it isn’t just the city preparing for winter.

As Environment Canada issues a special weather statement regarding the colder temperatures Manitobans are about to experience, charities like Main Street Project are preparing to shelter those who don’t have a roof over their head.

“Outreach services in Winnipeg are very coordinated. The different groups work within different areas across the city. While our outreach van will be on the road during the winter months and does work across the city, we all collaborate on the Signal app. Outreach groups will coordinate together who is best available to meet the needs of a particular situation at any given time,” said Cindy Titus, Communications Specialist with Main Street Project.

Now this may send a chill down the spines of trick-or-treaters but Environment Canada is also expecting temperatures to be around the -5 to -10 degree range by Halloween.

It likely means a lot of trick-or-treaters will be wearing more than just a cape once they hit the streets next week.