Backyard view. December 1st 2011

Winter seems to have finally reached Southeastern Minnesota, and what a better time for it to happen on the first day of meteorological winter! Our snow developed ahead of an arctic cold moving southeast across Minnesota. As proof that it is an arctic front, Temperatures at 8AM are in the low 30s here in West Downtown Rochester, while it is currently in the single digits in Northern Minnesota! Most of the snow was light, but some was falling at a fairly good rate overnight. Total accumulations were around a quarter inch to nearly 1 inch.  Here in Rochester 0.75″ of snow fell so far, and light snow continues. Looking at webcams across the region this morning shows everyone got at least a coating of snow from northeast to southeast. In places like Austin, this is the 1st real accumulation of snow this season. Expect the temperatures of the day to occur right now, and then drop through the afternoon. A cold north wind will also pick up this afternoon.