Regional weather view.
A Dangerous Major Winter Storm is the top of the story effecting the Upper Midwest, Major snowfall accumulations are likely in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin Blizzard conditions are likely in Western Minnesota with significant accumulations along to the south of this. In Iowa, Southern Minnesota and Central Wisconsin it will start off as sleet and quickly change to rain, where thunderstorms are possible. Wednesday whatever precip is left will turn to all snow region wide, but by then moisture will move off to the east. Thursday looks to have clearing skies with fair temps region wide.
Local and Metro views.
Note: This is a difficult storm to forecast for, This forecast is subject to significant chances depends on the exact track of this low.
Tomorrow a strong weather system will work across the state. Starting Tuesday a strong low pressure will track across Northern Iowa before pushing northward into Southern Minnesota. This will mean that our area will fall under the warm side of this storm keeping the high snow totals well to our north. We can expect that Precip will start in the afternoon on Tuesday as Sleet and snow possibly even freezing rain as temps start off below freezing, quick 1-2″ may accumulate. Then as the low moves into Minnesota warm air will be forced northward and rising temps to the upper 30s will change any snowfall to rain Tuesday Night overnight, some of this rain could be Moderate at times with the threat for an isolated thunderstorm or two, so do not be surprised if you hear thunder Tuesday Night! Wednesday as the low moved away temps will fall below freezing any left over precip will change to snow, but by the time this happens the heaviest precip will be east of the area. It will not cool off much behind this storm as Thursday will be partly sunny and in the mid 30s.
Storm Impacts and totals accumulations and rainfall amounts.
The biggest Impacts for our area could be slippery roads during the sleet/snow mixture that occurs briefly Tuesday Evening. Roads will become much better once the temperature rises and it changes to rain. Total rainfall amounts could be as much as half inch for our area, especially in and imbedded thunderstorms. Winds will also be strong southeast winds to 35MPH. Snowfall accumulations will be 1-2″ for central and southern areas, with 3-4″ for Cannon Falls and Red Wing. Much of this snow will melt soon after it falls. As the low moves away a another quick inch or two of snow could accumulation and blow around Wednesday Morning.
Tuesday, Windy, Could with Sleet and Snow developing early in the evening changing to rain, some rain, Thunder is possible. Highs in the upper 30s. 1-2″ snow central and south 3-4″ north. Winds could gust to 35MPH Tuesday Night, Windy Rain with isolated thunderstorms, possible mixed with sleet at times, some could be moderate at times. Lows in the mid 30s. cooling to the upper 20s near morning. Winds could gust to 35MPH
Wednesday, Cooler and windy, Rain changing to light snow in the morning, 1-2″ possible. Some blowing snow possible. Highs in the low 30s. Wednesday Night, lingering Flurries, chilly, breezy with lows in the low 20s.
Thursday, Warmer and not as windy. Clearing skies with highs in the mid to upper 30s. Thursday Night, Partly Cloudy lows in the mid 20s.
Other Areas Effected
Even though our has a high chance to escape the worst of this storm this Other parts of our state will be greatly impacted by this major winter storm! Blizzard conditions and very high snowfall amounts are possible with this storm in Northern Minnesota. Here are some some links to other areas that will be effected.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead to the end of the week we see a chance of another weather system on Friday, which could possibly bring rain and snow to our area. It is too far away to get details on at this time. It cools off and dries out for the 1st part of next weekend. Then the models hint at a sigificant dry warm up as we head into Early March, tempetues around the range of 50 to 60 degrees. around the 5th. The the models get interesting around my Birthday on the 8th the model shows as storm system arriving during the height of this mild airmass, spreading heavy rains across Minnesota. The models show it will remain mild behind this system, and really it doesn’t even cool off as we go into Mid March, could this be a very early Spring? Time will tell.