From Blistering Heat to Smoky, Cooler Days as Manitoba Sees Rapid Weather Shift
WINNIPEG – WEATHER REPORT – The heat warning for Winnipeg has officially ended, and after days of sizzling mid-30°C highs, the city is finally catching a breath of cooler, fresher air. But as is often the case in the Prairies, the weather isn’t easing up quietly. Smoky skies from wildfires have drifted into the region, bringing reduced visibility and potential air quality concerns. And if that wasn’t enough, showers and thunderstorms are on the horizon, followed by an unseasonably cold, windy, and rainy Friday.
Goodbye Heatwave, Hello Smoke and Showers: Forecast Through Saturday
As of 4:00 AM CDT, Winnipeg Richardson International Airport reported mainly clear skies with a temperature of 12.3°C. Humidity is sitting at a moist 72%, with a dew point of 7.3°C. Winds are brisk from the north-northeast at 33 km/h, gusting up to 43 km/h, sweeping in fresher—but smoky—air from the north. Barometric pressure is holding steady at 100.3 kPa and rising, indicating a gradual stabilizing trend today.
Today will be mainly sunny but with local smoke hazing the skies throughout the day. Winds will continue from the north at 30 km/h, keeping temperatures at a much more seasonable 23°C. The UV index will remain at 8—very high—so despite the smoky skies, sun safety remains a must.
Tonight will turn partly cloudy with a 60 percent chance of showers developing late this evening and overnight. There’s also a risk of a thunderstorm, and local smoke will linger. Winds will diminish to light by morning, and the overnight low will be a mild 14°C.
Thursday will bring a much more active weather pattern. The day starts mainly cloudy with a 60 percent chance of showers in the morning, transitioning to steady showers by noon. There will be a risk of thunderstorms both in the morning and afternoon. Widespread smoke will continue to cloud the skies, and winds will shift east at 20 km/h, becoming north at 20 km/h by late afternoon. The high will climb to 24°C but with a humidex making it feel closer to 29°C. The UV index will drop slightly to 5—moderate—thanks to the thicker clouds and smoke. Showers will continue into Thursday night with a low of 13°C.
Friday will see the biggest swing, as the rain becomes steady and the wind cranks up again. Expect a high of just 12°C—yes, that’s a 23-degree difference from the start of the week. The night will bring more periods of rain with a biting low near minus 1°C—an abrupt and frosty reminder that Manitoba springs can turn on a dime.
Saturday will be cloudy and cool, with a high of 8°C and a cloudy night with a low near 2°C.
From Flip-Flops to Parkas: Prairie Wardrobe Whiplash
Winnipeg residents will want to keep both the rain gear and the warmer layers handy over the next few days. Today and Thursday will still feel warm and sticky at times, but by Friday, it’ll be time to dust off the heavier jackets. And don’t forget—smoke in the air means sensitive individuals should limit outdoor activity.
Historical Highs and Lows for May 14
Winnipeg’s record high for this day is a sizzling 35.0°C, while the record low is -4.4°C. With today’s high forecast at 23°C and Friday’s low potentially dipping below freezing, the city will once again showcase its reputation for dramatic spring extremes.
Manitoba Weather Trivia
Did you know? Winnipeg can experience one of the sharpest temperature drops in Canada from heatwave to frost in under 72 hours—a feat we’re about to witness once again this week. Mother Nature certainly likes to keep the Prairies interesting!
