Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

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It was the biggest snowfall event for the Twin Cities in almost 5 years. 

This week’s unstoppable storm brought 15 inches of snow to MSP Airport. That’s enough to crack the record books in multiple places.

This week’s storm continues the recent trend of storms with multiple acts. The Minnesota Climate Working Group shared some interesting 

Here’s more detail on the 3 distinct phases of the 14th largest snowfall in Twin Cities history.

Phase 1: Narrowly Focused Snow and Ice in Southern Minnesota

Phase 2: Intense Snow and Ice Accumulations Rates

Phase 3: Overnight Surprise, with More Snow through Wednesday Night

This storm was packed with high water content from the Gulf of Mexico. Our recent series of storms has already guaranteed above-average precipitation for this meteorological winter.

Now we look ahead to a more typical January weather pattern through the upcoming weekend. There’s abundant snow to play in. We’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine through the weekend. 

Highs will run in the lower 20s south, with teens across the north.

Overnight lows will hover on either side of zero up north, with mostly single digits south.

Next week looks mostly quiet with highs in the 20s to lower 30s. 

A few models suggest a chance for at least some snow later next week. But the storm track favors steering most of the moisture and energy from California's series of atmospheric river events south of Minnesota next week. 

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

A more tranquil weather pattern ahead into next week.

NOAA

Ben Hovland | MPR News

Parked cars and snow covered tree branches

14th largest snowfall event for Twin Cities; quieter weather ahead

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