Warm Start Turns Stormy as Midweek Weather Mixes it Up
June 18 Weather Report – Bright Beginnings with Bumpy Weather Ahead
Winnipeg is waking up under mainly clear skies and a comfortable 16°C this morning, but don’t get too attached to the sunshine — it’s a midweek bait-and-switch! A developing system will introduce showers and the risk of thunderstorms this afternoon, giving southern Manitoba a little weather drama before the weekend.
As of 5:00 AM CDT, readings from the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport show a temperature of 16.0°C, with humidity at 73%, a dew point of 11.2°C, and a gentle south-southwest wind at 19 km/h, gusting up to 30 km/h. The barometric pressure sits at 100.8 kPa and is falling, which fits the classic setup for an afternoon shift in weather.
Today: Sun Early, Storms Possible Later
This morning begins sunny, but don’t be fooled — clouds will roll in by midday, and there’s a 60% chance of showers or thunderstorms by the afternoon. Winds will swing to the northwest at 20 km/h, gusting up to 40 km/h, which may help push unstable air around. The temperature will rise to a high of 25°C, but it’ll feel more like 28°C with the Humidex. Despite the storm threat, the UV index hits 7, which means sun protection is still a must before the clouds move in.
Tonight: Thunderstorm Threat Turns to Drizzle
As the sun sets, so does the drama — somewhat. The evening will stay cloudy with a continued 60% chance of showers or thunderstorms, tapering off to a 30% chance of drizzle after midnight. Winds from the northeast will gust up to 40 km/h before calming later in the evening. The overnight low dips to 12°C, so you’ll want a light jacket handy if you’re heading out.
The Days Ahead: Clouds, Heat, and Another Weekend Mix
Thursday, June 19, starts off mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of morning drizzle, but expect sunny breaks by the afternoon and a warm high of 23°C (feeling like 28°C). Friday brings a mix of sun and cloud and a summerlike high of 28°C, great for patios and prairie strolls.
Saturday offers a slightly cooler 24°C with some sunshine, but by nightfall, showers return, giving Manitoba yet another “will it, won’t it” weather cliffhanger.
What to Wear
Start the day in light layers — it’ll be warm, but the wind might catch you off guard. Bring a compact umbrella or light rain jacket if you’re out in the afternoon. Footwear with decent traction is smart in case of a sudden downpour.
Weather Trivia – Winnipeg’s Thunderstorm Chops
Did you know Winnipeg is one of Canada’s thunderstorm capitals? The region averages 27 thunderstorm days a year, thanks to its flat terrain and volatile convergence of dry prairie air and moist systems from the U.S. Plains. It’s not uncommon for a sunny start to end in a lightning display worthy of nature’s own rock concert.
