Most of Manitoba will either face strong winds and blowing snow or extremely cold weather on Friday, Environment and Climate Change Canada says.

A yellow blowing snow advisory has been issued for much of southern Manitoba on Friday, including Winnipeg and Brandon, Environment and Climate Change Canada says.

Widespread reductions in visibility will impact the region as recent snowfall, gusting winds and plummeting temperatures create suitable conditions, the weather agency says.

Wind gusts are also expected to go up to 60 to 80 kilometres per hour in the region, especially in the Red River Valley.

Conditions will improve gradually, starting from the northwest to the southeast, through the evening hours and into Saturday, the advisory says.

Near-zero visibility is possible, will make travel hazardous and may significantly impact rush hour traffic, the advisory says. Those who plan to make non-essential travel should consider postponing until conditions improve.

Cold warning in northern Manitoba

In northern Manitoba, a yellow cold weather warning is blanketing much of the region as Environment Canada says a prolonged period of very cold wind chills is expected.

The wind chill will be near -45 early Friday morning, the warning says.

Wind chill values are expected to be the most extreme overnight and into the morning hours, before improving over the weekend, the advisory says.

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk, especially young children, older adults, people living with chronic illness, those who work and exercise outdoors, and those without proper shelter, Environment Canada says.

The weather agency is advising Manitobans in the affected areas to keep dry to stay warmer and to check on older family, friends and neighbours.