AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 22, 2026
Significant Fall Storm Approaching Northern Manitoba
A major fall storm is forecast for northern Manitoba this weekend, with Environment Canada warning of wet weather and strong winds expected to impact the region from Friday evening through Sunday.
Heavy Snow and Rainfall Totals Predicted
Environment Canada's weather alert covers a wide swath of northern Manitoba, stretching from Brochet to Churchill and including communities such as Tadoule Lake, Lynn Lake, Leaf Rapid, and Pukatawagan. The agency predicts rainfall totals between 20 and 40 millimetres before precipitation changes to heavy snow. Up to 15 to 25 centimetres of snowfall accumulation is possible by the end of the storm, with the greatest amounts anticipated near Brochet and Tadoule Lake.
Transition from Rain to Freezing Rain and Snow
The system will initially bring rain, followed by a brief period of freezing rain as temperatures drop and the moisture turns into snow. This combination of changing precipitation types could create challenging weather conditions for those in the affected areas.
Strong Winds and Blowing Snow Reduce Visibility
Along with the precipitation, the storm will produce strong winds with gusts up to 90 km/h. These intense winds, combined with heavy and wet snow, are expected to cause reduced visibility due to blowing snow, especially in exposed communities.
Improving Conditions Expected by Sunday
According to the weather alert, the storm’s impact will lessen as the weekend progresses. The snow is forecast to taper off and the winds to diminish by Sunday, bringing an end to the most intense period of the storm.
Southern Manitoba in Contrast: Unseasonably Warm Temperatures
While northern Manitoba prepares for wintry weather conditions, those in southern Manitoba can expect an unusually warm start to the weekend. Temperatures are forecast to reach 20°C on Thursday, rising to 22°C on Friday. In Winnipeg, the humidex could make it feel closer to 25°C. However, the area will also experience gusty winds of 40-60 km/h Friday afternoon. The average high for this time of year is typically around 7°C, and temperatures are expected to return to more seasonal levels—or even lower—by the following week.
Source: cbc.ca.
