Winnipeg Dust Storm Warning Covers Southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba

A winnipeg dust storm warning was issued Thursday as strong winds kicked up dust and topsoil across southern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba. Environment Canada said poor visibility in blowing dust was expected through the afternoon and evening, with travel able to become hazardous if conditions changed suddenly.

Justin Oertel on the dust plume

Justin Oertel of The Weather Centre of Manitoba said satellite imagery showed a large brown area over southeastern Saskatchewan and northwestern North Dakota moving toward southwestern Manitoba. He said the dust was lifted high enough to be visible from space, adding, “You don’t see this very often.”

Oertel said the dust had cooled temperatures by a degree or two since it moved in. “That’s the main thing,” he said.

Environment Canada’s warning area

The warning covered parts of southern Saskatchewan and southwest Manitoba, where strong westerly winds were reducing visibility in some areas. Environment Canada said poor air quality was expected as the dust spread across the region.

Drivers were advised to turn on their lights, slow down and leave extra space between vehicles. The blowing dust was expected to ease later Thursday evening, once winds eased.

Visibility through Thursday evening

For people on the road, the practical issue was the abrupt drop in sightlines, not just the dust itself. The same wind that moved the plume across two prairie provinces also kept the hazard active through the afternoon and evening, until conditions began to relax later Thursday evening.