Manitoba weather: Winter comes to an end

We have made it to the last full day of winter in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario on Wednesday.

The season will end on a mild note, with almost every region on either side of the provincial border enjoying sunshine or a mix of sun and cloud this afternoon.

There are a couple of catches, though. There is a chance of flurries scattered across parts of southern Manitoba, but the odds are quite low.

A better bet is strengthening and gusting west winds across the south this afternoon that will diminish late this evening.

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Forecast daytime highs across most southern regions are right around the freezing mark, including Winnipeg at 1 C.

In the north, many regions will see highs close to the seasonal norms in the minus single digits.

Central areas including Norway House will send off winter with light snow overnight before spreading into Island Lake where it will continue on Thursday.

Spring officially arrives early Thursday with the vernal equinox at 4:01 a.m. central daylight time.

A ridge of high pressure currently building over the Prairies will ensure a mild transition from winter into the first few days of fall.

Suitably, Thursday will be the warmest day this week, with a forecast high of 6 C and a mix of sun and cloud in Winnipeg.

Expect a brief, but abrupt change on Friday with a much colder, but sunny high of –9 C in Winnipeg.