Blizzard warnings in Northwest Minnesota, winter weather advisories across the state

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We’re turning gradually milder this week. We’re also trending wetter.

Temperatures reached the upper 40s to near 50 Tuesday across southern Minnesota. We’re at the northern tip of a much milder springlike air mass filtering north across the High Plains Tuesday afternoon.

Wednesday brings a more potent weather system to Minnesota. The storm will track through the southern half of the state. Expect rain to begin in southwest Minnesota in the morning, and spread to the Twin Cities area before lunchtime.

The temperature profile looks warm enough for mostly rain with this system. It may feature a band of snow on the northern edge, and precipitation may mix with snow late in the day as the system pulls in colder air. 

NOAA’s GFS model paints the likely rain and snow zones Wednesday.

One forecast note for Wednesday. A few models suggest temperatures could be cold enough for mostly snow on the northern edge of the precipitation shield. We’ll have to watch for the potential for a narrow band of potentially accumulating snow with this system. The most likely zone for that would be between the north metro area and St. Cloud, Minn.

Wednesday’s system looks to bring a soaking rain to southern Minnesota. Many models suggest around a half inch could fall Wednesday. April showers are here early this year.

Temperatures hover in the 40s for the rest of this week. A warmer push of air still looks likely starting Sunday. Highs still appear likely to push the 60-degree mark next week.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

Wednesday’s inbound weather system brings rain that may mix with snow.

NOAA GFS precipitation forecast for Wednesday

Rain and mixed snow arrives Wednesday

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