There will be plenty of precipitation in southern Manitoba this weekend, and all of the region is now under a weather watch or warning.

For the City of Winnipeg and much of southcentral and southeast Manitoba a rainfall warning is in effect. Areas in the southwest are under a freezing rain warning.

Snow this morning will quickly change over to rain for these areas, Environment Canada meteorologist Brian Luzny says. 

"This rainfall will persist through Saturday with some areas receiving more rain Saturday night and Sunday. Total rainfall amounts of 30 to 60 mm will fall."

Luzny says that Saturday will be a particularly stormy day. For much of the region not only is heavy rainfall expected but thundershowers are also a possibility. 

The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall, and Luzny says that's why the rainfall warning has been issued. 

Rain will change over to snow beginning on Saturday evening through Sunday morning from west to east. Snowfall warnings may follow. Some areas in the Parkland and other areas northwest of Winnipeg could still see significant snowfall, with 20 to 40 cm of snow currently forecasted. Luzny says 50 cm is not out of possibility for some areas in higher elevations.

Strong winds gusting 60 to 90 km/h on Saturday and Sunday are also expected. Reduced visibilities in blowing snow will occur when wind and snow align on Sunday.

This system is expected to move into Ontario later in the weekend bringing cooler temperatures.