A wintry cocktail is likely to hamper travel in the Eastern Prairies of northwestern Ontario

After some locations in the Eastern Prairies hit their coldest temperatures of 2024 this week, temperatures will rise enough on Sunday to bring freezing rain to parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba before heading into northwestern Ontario on Monday.

Icy rain can create slippery and dangerous driving conditions, especially when there is a fresh layer of snow on top. So be careful when heading out this weekend.

DON’T MISS: What exactly constitutes a “white Christmas”?

Sunday to Monday: Freezing rain turns into snow

A low through the northern plains of the U.S. will bring moisture to the eastern Prairies and northwestern Ontario on Sunday. The rain and rising temperatures will cause the precipitation that falls on Sunday to begin as freezing rain before transitioning to snow as readings fall in the evening.

The freezing rain will begin Sunday morning in southeastern Saskatchewan, hitting Regina and Weyburn and moving into parts of western Manitoba. Areas east of Regina could experience freezing rain for 5 to 8 hours.

Although only a few millimeters of freezing rain is expected, it is still enough to cause slippery driving and walking conditions across the region.

RELATED: Do you want a white Christmas? These Canadian cities have the best odds

Snow will then form across eastern Saskatchewan on Sunday afternoon, then reach and envelop southern Manitoba by Sunday night, with 5 to 10 cm affecting Winnipeg for a period of 5 to 10 cm.