Saturday the milder day of the weekend; snow chances in some areas
A thin ice reminder for deer hunters
Our low temperature at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was 15 degrees Friday morning and also on Thursday morning. That’s chilly; 15 degrees is our average Twin Cities low temp for Dec. 7!
Temperature trends
Minnesota and western Wisconsin highs this Friday will be mainly in the 30s. Some 40s are possible in southwestern Minnesota, with a few upper 20s in the northeast.
Much of central and southern Minnesota will reach highs in the 40s Saturday, with 30s elsewhere:
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Sunday highs will be mainly in the 20s:
The Twin Cities could reach 30 early on Sunday, following by slowly falling temps. Twin Cities metro area highs may only reach the upper teens on Monday, followed by lower 20s Tuesday and mid-20s Wednesday.
Rain and snow opportunities
Some snow is expected to enter northwestern Minnesota by late Friday afternoon, then spread southeastward. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's North American Mesoscale (NAM) forecast model shows the potential precipitation pattern Friday afternoon through Friday night:
Northeastern Minnesota may see some 1- to 2-inch snow accumulations Friday evening into the overnight hours:
Deer hunters could use some fresh snow for tracking deer. The National Weather Service has this cautionary note about thin ice:
Some on and off snow showers are expected in much of northern and central Minnesota on Saturday.
The flakes could be mixed with rain at times. The Twin Cities metro area and points to the south have a chance of rain showers Saturday, especially in the afternoon. The rain could mix with snow or change to light snow late Saturday.
The NAM forecast model shows this potential precipitation pattern Saturday and Saturday evening:
Listen for updated weather information on the MPR network, and you’ll also see updated weather info on the MPR News live weather blog.
Winter Weather Awareness Week
This is Winter Weather Awareness week in Minnesota and Wisconsin:
Here are some winter driving tips, from the NWS:
Before increasing your speed, get a feel for the traction. Remember that bridges and overpasses can be more slippery than other parts of the road. Do not brake suddenly. If you have anti-lock brakes, apply steady and firm pressure to the pedal. Do not pump anti-lock brakes
If you begin to skid, remain calm. Ease your foot off of the gas and turn the wheel in the direction you want the front of the car to go
When driving near snowplows, remember: Stay Back, Stay Alive. Reduce your speed. Never drive into a snow cloud. An average snowplow weighs 17 times more than an average car. If you are in a collision with a snowplow, you will lose. Be patient; follow eight seconds behind snowplows
Sometimes bridges and ramps are extra icy. This was in Flint, Michigan:
More information about Winter Weather Awareness Week and Winter Hazard Awareness Week can be found here.
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays and at 7:35 a.m., 9:35 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.