Colleen Bready's Forecast: Blustery conditions prompt road closures in Manitoba

It is a blustery start to the week on Monday in Winnipeg and across much of Manitoba.

As of early Monday afternoon, the province is reporting several highway closures in the southwest due to poor winter driving conditions caused by blowing snow and icy roads.

The areas that are most affected are northwest, north, and east of Riding Mountain National Park.

Many other highways around the province are open but are partly covered, particularly in the southeast.

Many northern and southern regions, including Winnipeg, could see 2-4 cm of snowfall today.

A heavier pocket snow is expected around Island Lake in the northeast where 5-10 cm is possible.

On the other hand, the southwest, including Brandon, should receive far less.

Strong winds will also cause temperatures to fall this afternoon.

Snow will end over the course of this evening from west to east across southern regions, but blowing snow is still expected early this evening before winds diminish.

Snow will continue tonight in the north, tapering to flurries on Tuesday.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) says an arctic ridge of high pressure will build in behind this system. It will bring back some sunshine to the south on Tuesday. It will also bring back colder temperatures.

The weather agency says the next system will develop on Wednesday in Alberta that will cross the southern prairies.

It could bring snow to Brandon and the southwest during the day on Wednesday before spreading to Winnipeg at night.