Nico Boyd ducks under some heavily snow-laden tress as she makes her way to school along a Dromore Avenue sidewalk in Winnipeg on Monday, March 5, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)

WINNIPEG — Up to 20 cm of snow is expected to fall across southern Manitoba starting Friday afternoon as temperatures in the region briefly rise to above-seasonal.

A snowfall warning for Winnipeg and southern Manitoba says “snowfall will intensify through the evening hours with accumulations of 10 to 20 cm forecast by the time the snow tapers off on Saturday.”

Temperatures will climb throughout the day, but gusty winds will begin to form as the warm air mass hovers above the Red River Valley. Environment Canada says gusty northwest winds will develop overnight with gusts up to 60 km/h forecast for Winnipeg and into the southern Interlake.

“These winds combined with the falling snow will lead to areas of reduced visibility in blowing snow,” the agency warns.

Conditions are expected to gradually improve Saturday afternoon.

City crews ready to roll

The City of Winnipeg says crews are prepared to deal with the forecasted snow.

“Crews are monitoring road conditions and stand ready to plow roadways as required,” the city said in a statement. “Accumulations of snow will be monitored and further decisions will be made as the weather system passes through the city. Ice control activities, including sanding, are undertaken city-wide to improve traction on roadways as conditions warrant.”

Residents can monitor snow-clearing activities by utilizing the status map on the city’s website.

If travelling is in your plans this weekend, check current road conditions on the province’s website at manitoba511.ca.