Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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The ground across Minnesota is unusually bare for December. 

Tuesday’s snow cover map shows most of Minnesota is still snow-free. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 

 shows a scant few inches cling to life in northeast Minnesota. 

It’s hard to believe with our endless autumn, but Wednesday dawns with Christmas just 16 days away. Friday’s Midwest weather system likely steers accumulating snow south of Minnesota.

That leaves just two weeks for a weather system that could drop enough snow to bring a white Christmas to Minnesota. Of course, this is the time of year when a storm system can pop up on the forecast maps with little notice. But looking at the medium-range maps, only one or two chances for light snow appear likely.

The forecast maps suggest a minor weather system could bring a chance of light snow for much of Minnesota next Monday or Tuesday. Both the American GFS and Canadian model suggest a weak low-pressure system that may be enough to squeeze out an inch or more for parts of Minnesota.

Here’s NOAA’s GFS solution Monday into Tuesday.

I normally don’t show forecast model snowfall output a week in advance, so don’t focus on this map with confidence. But the notion of an inch or more of snow for parts of Minnesota is growing for early next week.

I still think we’re looking at a coin toss for a white Christmas in parts of Minnesota as we approach two weeks until Christmas. But at least some light snow chances appear possible next week.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

What are the odds for a white Christmas around much of Minnesota? Friday's storm will likely miss Minnesota. Light snow is possible next week.

Bare grass in Victoria on December 8, 2020

Odds for a white Christmas? Light snow chances next week

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