From Smoke to Soaking: Winnipeg’s Long Weekend Will Start Blustery and Cool, Before Sunshine Returns on Sunday

WINNIPEG – WEATHER REPORT – The Red River Valley is catching its breath after days of scorching heat and choking wildfire smoke, but as we head into the Victoria Day long weekend, Mother Nature has flipped the script—swapping heat for misty mornings, heavy rain, and howling winds.

At 4:00 AM CDT, Winnipeg Richardson International Airport is reporting a misty and damp 13.3°C, with humidity sitting at a sticky 97%. The wind has shifted to the north at a gusty 30 km/h, reducing visibility to just 6 km. The barometric pressure is 98.8 kPa and still falling, setting the stage for more rain and windy weather today.

Long Weekend Forecast: Jackets Over T-Shirts for the First Half

Today will be dominated by rain, with local smoke still hanging in the air early on, though winds from the north will work hard to push it out later in the day. Expect about 5 to 10 mm of rainfall, with winds cranking up from the north at 30 km/h and strengthening to 50 km/h, gusting to 80 by the morning commute. Temperatures will struggle, falling to a raw 6°C by the afternoon. The UV index will remain low at 1.

Tonight, the rain continues and the winds won’t let up—expect them to remain strong and blustery. The overnight low will dip to a chilly zero—yes, zero—meaning some areas could see their first May frost following last week’s heat wave.

Saturday will stay cloudy and cool with a high of just 6°C, although the rain will finally ease off by morning. Winds will remain a factor, keeping things brisk for anyone venturing out to the garden or patio.

Sunday will bring much-needed relief and sunshine as high pressure returns, pushing skies clear and lifting temperatures to a more spring-like 13°C. The night will remain clear with a low of 2°C.

Victoria Day Monday will finally deliver the kind of weather Winnipeggers dream of for May long weekend: sunny skies and a pleasant high of 17°C—perfect for parks, barbecues, and those who’ve been patiently waiting to plant the flowers.

A Weekend of Weather Whiplash

It wouldn’t be a prairie May long weekend without some weather whiplash. This year is no exception. From today’s wild winds and soaking rains to a chilly Saturday and then finally warming by Monday, travelers and staycationers alike will want to plan accordingly—layers, rain gear, and yes, keep the mittens close by for those early mornings.

Winnipeg Weather Trivia

Did you know? Winnipeg holds the unofficial title of “Canada’s Wildest May Long Weekend City” for its record-setting weather swings—including a 2020 Victoria Day that brought both 30°C heat and overnight frost… in the same weekend.