Colleen Bready’s forecast: Spring has sprung across Manitoba

Spring has sprung on Thursday in Manitoba and in northwestern Ontario!

The seasons changed at 4:01 a.m. with the arrival of the spring or vernal equinox.

Suitably, Thursday will be the warmest day this week in Winnipeg and the southeast, thanks to a nice influx of mild pacific air.

Daytime highs in the region, including Winnipeg, are forecast to reach 6 C or 7 C in the sunshine or a mix of sun and clouds.

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The southwest will see similar sky conditions, but temperatures won’t climb quite as high this afternoon. Many areas should reach 2 C or 3 C, including Brandon and Dauphin.

Spring arrives with clearing skies or a mix of sun and cloud for most northern regions Thursday afternoon, too. Temperatures will remain below freezing.

Pleasant conditions this afternoon will come to an abrupt end late Thursday night, courtesy of strong and gusting north winds along an arctic front passing over southern Manitoba.

The cold north winds clear skies enough over the south to allow temperatures to drop well below normal into the mid-minus teens.

Friday will have a noticeable bite in the air, with strong north winds and cool temperatures well below freezing across the south. On the bright side, the sun will shine over much of Manitoba under a ridge of high pressure.

Then things will change again.

Environment and Climate Change Canada said an Alberta clipper that will develop on Saturday will push a warm front across the Prairies.

According to the weather agency, the low pressure system will have weakened by the time it gets to southern Manitoba later on Saturday. It could bring snow or flurries into Sunday, but most areas shouldn’t get much.