Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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Keep an eye out for changing weather forecasts and advisories over the next 24 hours Minnesota. 

Forecast models are in flux about precipitation types, and a possible second wave of heavy snowfall for parts of southeast Minnesota not far from the southeast Twin Cities.

It’s the calm before the slop overnight into Tuesday. Highs Tuesday will make the 40s across southern Minnesota with mostly 30s up north.

Note the huge warm surge in the central plains with 80s into Kansas. That big temperature contrast will help deepen our inbound storm. 

winter storm watch for northeast Minnesota

 that goes into effect Tuesday evening into Thursday.

The forecast of heavy snow has shifted a little bit eastward with Tuesday afternoons forecast packages. 

Wild card: Heavy snow band across southeast Minnesota Wednesday night? 

The going forecasts early Monday suggested mostly rain for the Twin Cities and southeast Minnesota. Precipitation totals (liquid) favor an inch of mostly rain from around the Twin Cities  to points south and east. And Monday’s snow forecast mostly supports lighter snowfall totals for most of southern Minnesota. 

But trends in Tuesday forecast models keep hinting at a possible second wave of moisture arriving as the sub-freezing air arrives Wednesday night. That could set up a narrow but heavy band of snow from across southeast Minnesota. NOAA’s afternoon 18Z NAM 3 km resolution model picks up on the trend started by the American GFS model Monday morning. 

If this solution evolves, a narrow quick-hitting band of heavy snow could drop a few quick inches underneath Wednesday night. If this develops, where it sets up still looks in flux. It could happen from near the Twin Cities, south and east into southeast Minnesota and Wisconsin.

So there are still a few wild cards in the forecast for Minnesota Wednesday and Thursday. Hopefully, Tuesday’s forecast model runs will come into sync and provide more clarity, consensus, and forecast certainty. In theory anyway. 

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

Heavy snow looks likely along the North Shore again. But a second wave could bring significant snow to southeast Minnesota Wednesday night.

Shifting models: Heavy snow potential lurking closer to the Twin Cities by Thursday?

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