From Smoke to Soakers: Winnipeg Faces Turbulent Weather as Air Quality Declines and Temperatures Plummet
WINNIPEG – WEATHER REPORT – After a brief break overnight, smoky skies are expected to blanket Winnipeg once again today, bringing very poor air quality, reduced visibility, and a general haze to the Red River Valley. An Air Quality Warning remains firmly in effect, and today will also usher in showers and possibly thunderstorms, adding dampness to the already heavy air.
It’s a messy, unsettled pattern, and as we head into the Victoria Day long weekend, prepare for more clouds, gusty winds, and temperatures that will feel more like early April than late May by Friday afternoon.
Smoke, Storms, and Sweaters: The Forecast Breakdown
At 5:00 AM CDT, Winnipeg Richardson International Airport reported a partly cloudy sky with a temperature of 9.1°C. Humidity is sitting at 87%, and the dew point is 7.0°C, giving the air a moist, muggy feel despite the cooler start. Winds are from the north-northwest at 15 km/h, but will soon shift to the east, drawing in more smoke. The pressure is at 100.0 kPa and falling.
Today will see increasing cloudiness with a 30 percent chance of showers this morning, then showers will become more widespread near noon, along with the risk of a thunderstorm. Widespread smoke will persist, reducing visibility and posing ongoing health risks. Winds will swing to the east at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h by late morning. The high will climb to a humid 24°C, with a humidex of 29, but conditions will feel heavy and uncomfortable under the smoky haze. The UV index will still reach high at 6—filtered through the smoke, but enough for sunburn risk if you’re outdoors.
Tonight will be a rainy one, with 10 to 20 mm expected, and still accompanied by the risk of a thunderstorm. Smoke will linger, and winds will hold steady from the east at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h. The low will dip to 11°C.
Friday will bring a sharp change—rain will continue with another 5 to 10 mm expected, along with local smoke. The winds will shift dramatically to the north at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h, and then ramp up to a blustery 50 gusting to 80 km/h by morning. Temperatures will plummet through the day, dropping to a raw 6°C by the afternoon. The UV index will fall to 1—low—as the smoke and clouds dominate the sky.
Friday night will remain rainy and windy, with the temperature sinking to the freezing mark—yes, zero degrees in May.
Saturday will stay cloudy and cold, with a high of just 6°C and a low of 2°C.
Sunday finally brings some relief, with clearing skies and a return to sunshine. The high will rebound to a more seasonal 13°C, and the night will remain clear with a low of 2°C.
Monday (Victoria Day) will be sunny and pleasant with a high of 17°C—marking the true return of spring warmth—before showers return Monday night.
Health & Safety Note: Air Quality Risks Today
With dense wildfire smoke set to blanket the city again today and tomorrow, residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory issues, seniors, children, and those working outdoors. Consider using a certified air purifier indoors and wearing an N95 mask if outdoor time is unavoidable. Even healthy individuals are at risk during these smoky conditions.
Winnipeg Weather Trivia
Did you know? Winnipeg’s biggest May temperature drops have seen swings from above 30°C to near-freezing within 48 hours—a phenomenon locals have experienced time and again thanks to fast-moving Prairie cold fronts like the one arriving Friday.
