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Computer models still crank up a major winter storm for Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Friday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s North American Mesoscale forecast model shows the potential precipitation pattern Friday morning through Saturday afternoon:

The snow is expected to begin around noon on Friday in the Twin Cities metro area, and the snow will become heavier as we go through Friday afternoon and evening. The Friday evening commute will be very slow in many areas.

Here are projected snow totals from Friday through Saturday:

The snow begins early Friday morning in southwestern Minnesota, then spreads northeastward.  Winter storm warnings have been issued for Friday into Saturday across much of Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin.  The winter storm warning for the Twin Cities metro area begins at noon on Friday and continues through Saturday afternoon:

Here’s a snow-timing chart, with areas in brackets indicating the times of heaviest snow:

Strong winds may cause whiteout conditions at times in open areas, including along and near the Red River in northwestern Minnesota:

You can hear updated weather information on the MPR 

, and you’ll see updated weather info on the MPR News 

Thursday afternoon highs only reach the single-digits below zero in much of northwestern and north-central Minnesota, with single-digits above zero elsewhere.

Friday highs will be mainly in the lower 20s in northern and central Minnesota, with mid to upper 20s in the south:

Strong northwesterly winds will give us falling temperatures on Saturday. The Twin Cities metro area could see some lower 20s early Saturday, but teens in the late morning into Saturday afternoon.

Here’s a look at Saturday afternoon temps:

Saturday afternoon wind chills will be in the teens below zero and possibly 20s below zero in western Minnesota:

Sunday highs will be mainly in the single digits above zero:

Sunday afternoon wind chills will be in the teens below zero and 20s below zero :

You’ll want to cover up exposed skin if you are outdoors this weekend!

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Ron Trenda

Author

A snowstorm will spread heavy snow across much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin Friday and Friday night.  Strong winds could cause whiteout conditions at times. We have an update on who can expect the most snow amounts and the strongest winds.

Friday snowstorm will deliver heavy snow, with whiteout conditions possible in some areas

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