Some snow likely over the weekend

After a warm and windy Friday, the weekend brings cooler weather and accumulating snowfall.

Friday’s forecast

The southerly winds that help warm temperatures Thursday increased into Friday morning, causing gusty conditions that will last through the afternoon. 

Much of the state can expect gusts over 30 mph, with some spots exceeding 40 mph, and the wind conditions have already prompted a wind advisory in southwestern Minnesota until 1 p.m.

Because the winds stay out of the south, temperatures remain above average. In fact, the morning started off very mild with temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Highs will make it into the upper 30s and 40s, and southwestern Minnesota may even see a couple 50s.

Although Friday begins dry, the wind pattern across the country and into Minnesota should funnel in a little more moisture all the way from the Gulf of Mexico by afternoon, bringing the eastern edge of the state a light rain and snow mix in the afternoon and evening. 

Any snow in northeastern Minnesota should remain under an inch. For the Twin Cities, there could be a few sprinkles or light rain in the evening.

Weekend snow

An area of low pressure is expected to move directly across the state over the weekend, targeting southern Minnesota and perhaps part of the Arrowhead with accumulating snowfall.

The precipitation will move into southwestern Minnesota by late Saturday afternoon, and exit the state by Sunday morning.

While the storm has enough moisture for a few inches of snow, the mild weather Saturday means rain is likely to mix in and the snow will be wetter. So, snow totals are expected to stay under 2 inches in most places. 

If colder air moves in earlier, those totals could be slightly higher. 

For the Twin Cities, the current forecast brings a rain and snow mix Saturday evening, which switches to all snow overnight before tapering off Sunday morning.

Temperature trend

The same storm bringing the snow also moves a cold front across the state on Saturday. 

Because the cold air moves into northern Minnesota first, there will be a large temperature contrast Saturday, with highs ranging from teens north to 40s south. The colder air then filters across all of Minnesota by Sunday, with more teens north to a few low 30s south. 

That puts the state slightly below average, but temperatures immediately rebound, with most of Minnesota back in the 30s and 40s by Tuesday.

Here is that forecast for the Twin Cities:

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.