Warmer weather recorded in Winnipeg as 2024 ends

The end of the year is bringing with it a bit of a warm streak.

Temperatures in Winnipeg reached a high of plus 2 C Friday and officials with Environment and Climate Change Canada say the weather is well above seasonal. 

“What we’re seeing is an upper ridge in our atmosphere that is helping to pull in warm air, those warm south winds, driving our temperatures up above the freezing mark across — not only Manitoba — but much of the Prairies,” said Christy Climenhaga, a scientist with the national forecaster. 

She explained around this time of year, temperatures are usually hovering around – 12 C and the warmer conditions are expected to continue for the next few days. 

However, while Winnipeg is unseasonably warm, the city is still far from breaking its own daily record, set in 1980, when temperatures reached a high of 6 C. 

“We have had warm temperatures at the end of December before, said Climenhaga. “We’re not expecting that record to fall today, especially with the cloud cover.”

The warm weather also brought with it advice from Manitoba Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures’, cautioning those on Manitoba lakes to carefully evaluate ice conditions before venturing out to fish. 

“At this time of year, especially in southern Manitoba, ice is still forming and could be dangerously thin,” said the notice from the province. “While some areas have more ice than others, it is best to check ice conditions when travelling across ice, as ice thickness can vary from one location to another.”

Climenhaga with Environment Canada also reminding residents that when temperatures fluctuate around 0 C, it’s important to take extra care while on the road as conditions can change quickly.

“Those early morning hours when we are starting to get out on the road, but it is still just below 0 C, those are when we see the icy conditions, slippery conditions on the road,” with expected fog also a factor. 

“If you are heading out earlier, or heading out on the highways to travel this weekend, do check on the road conditions where you are going and take your time,” said Climenhaga. 

“It’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit in the vehicle as well, and just to make sure you’ve got the proper tires for what you are trying to do, and that you are really paying close attention, because those roads can get very slippery very quickly.” 

When it comes to the beginning of 2025, the national forecaster is predicting a return to colder, seasonal weather with the freeze-thaw cycle less of a factor in the coming weeks.