As we head into Louis Riel Day long weekend Environment Canada is forecasting the weather to get warmer and windier.

That according to Natalie Hasell of Environment Canada. She says right now most of the province is under a high pressure ridge, which at this time of year is often called an arctic ridge.

“This ridge of high pressure is bringing air from the north down to our area. The other component that is of concern is that usually in ridges the skies are clear and there may be winds but they won't be very strong. The combination of that, clear skies and not very strong winds, leads to any heat at the surface of the planet to escape out into space.”

Hasell says when we have such cold temperatures any wind at all will cause a significant wind chill. She says as the weekend progresses the ridge of high pressure will slide off Manitoba bringing in slightly warmer air.

“The concern I have for this weekend is that in the wake of this ridge of high pressure we will actually have a pretty strong pressure gradient which will lead to strong winds. We will also see an area of snow develop as a warm front from the next low pressure system comes into our area.”

Hasell says the combination of wind and snow may cause reduced visibility, though it will likely not be as bad as last weekend. She says reduced visibility can be a problem, especially when driving on highways.

“Have an emergency kit in your car, which is more then a first aid kit, it is also supplies, so that you can be comfortable if you are stranded in your car.”

Hasell says we should see a return to normal temperatures as early as Monday or Tuesday. She notes at this time of year normal is around -9 during the day and -19 during the night.