Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for much of southern Manitoba, along with a winter storm watch for western Manitoba as the first storm of the season heads towards the province.

Meteorologists say anywhere between 10 and 20 cm of snow can be expected for most areas, while the Parkland region could see up to 50 cm.

The national forecaster says that Manitobans across the south will enjoy one last day of above seasonal temperatures on Tuesday before an approaching storm "brings an abrupt return to reality later this week."

For areas under the special weather statement, including the City of Winnipeg, the storm can be expected to begin with rain and snow. "Wednesday will be a messy day," Dan Fulton of Environment Canada says. "Air and ground temperatures a bit above zero should limit snowfall accumulation during the day, however colder air wrapping into the system late in the day will change the precipitation completely over to snow, and accumulating snow is expected to continue through Thursday."

"Widespread snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 cm are expected by Friday morning, with greater amounts over higher terrain and in localized areas downwind of the Manitoba lakes, which are expected to enhance snowfall amounts. The greatest accumulations will be over the higher terrain in the Parklands region of western Manitoba, where 50 cm is possible by Friday morning. A winter storm watch has been issued for this region."

More to come

Current watches, warnings, and statements

This map is automatically updated by Environment Canada - refresh the page to see the latest details. Areas in grey are under a special weather statement. Areas in yellow are under a winter storm watch.