Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

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Phase 1 of our winter storm is the easy part. 

Light snow continues across most of the southern half of Minnesota as of late Tuesday evening. So far this “easier” first wave of the storm is going about as expected. Snowfall totals range from around 1 to 3 inches as of early Tuesday evening. 

Most forecast models continue the trend of mainly lighter snow overnight. NOAA’s NAM 3 km model shows the likely snowfall trends between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m Wednesday. 

Many of us will likely catch a lull in snowfall Wednesday from morning rush hours into the midday hours. 

But the storm won’t be over. The far more intense second wave will arrive with heavy snow and high winds Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. 

Tuesday night’s late (0Z) forecast model runs continue to show a powerful second storm wave. Most models forecast snow to spread north once again into southern Minnesota Wednesday morning, then increase into central Minnesota including the Twin Cities area Wednesday afternoon. The peak snowfall rates and wind intensity are still likely to occur Wednesday night through Thursday morning. 

NOAA’s NAM 3 km model shows the main low-pressure wave driving an expanding snow shield across most of Minnesota between noon Wednesday and 6 p.m. Thursday.

The long duration of snow with the second storm wave and embedded intense snow bands will produce copious snowfall totals. 

Forecast models coming in late Tuesday evening are still cranking out an additional 15 to 20 inches of snow across most of southern Minnesota through 6 pm Thursday. 

Here’s the Canadian model snowfall output.

Here’s NOAA’s HRRR model snowfall output.

 remain in effect for most of central and southern Minnesota. 

Don’t be fooled by the easier first part of this storm, and by the lull in snowfall Wednesday morning into the midday hours. The worst part of the storm will crank up Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

The second phase of our major winter storm will be much more intense. 

Forecast models still on track for hefty snowfall totals and high winds

Go Deeper.

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