Environment Canada put out weather alerts Monday saying winter is on its way to southern Manitoba.

"Winter is coming," the special weather announcement reads for Winnipeg and places across the south.

An intense low pressure system is expected to descend on the southern part of the province Wednesday afternoon. Intense winds will push a cold front in, effectively "bringing an abrupt end to the mild November weather."

Environment Canada released a statement Monday warning of gale force winds and flurries on the way Wednesday afternoon. (Environment Canada) Temperatures will sink into the minus double digits that are normal for this time of year.

And then, things will get worse.

Gale force winds reaching 90 kilometres an hour are expected to sweep down from the northwest and usher in flurries and blowing snow.

Environment Canada says cold air, flurries and strong winds will blow across lake surfaces and could lead to snow squalls on the east side of Lake Manitoba and southern basin of Lake Winnipeg.

Things should lighten up on Thursday as winds die down, Environment Canada says. Either way, it's time to break out the parka and snow boots.