Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

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Our well-advertised snowstorm is increasing in coverage across Minnesota Tuesday afternoon. Moderate to heavy snow is already falling across southwestern Minnesota. Snow coverage will increase across the Twin Cities into the evening hours.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s NAM 3 km model shows the likely progression of the snow zone across mainly central and southern Minnesota with the initial storm wave through Wednesday morning. 

The loop below runs between 3 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday:

This snow wave will likely produce between 3 and 7 inches by Wednesday morning in most areas. 

Expect slippery roads from the afternoon rush hours Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Many locations may see a lull, or even a brief break in snowfall Wednesday morning before the second, bigger snow wave arrives. 

The second, and bigger snowfall wave cranks up across Minnesota Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. This main body of the storm will dump heavier snowfall across much of Minnesota. 

Widespread moderate snow will feature embedded heavy snow bursts. These convective cells may produce thunder snow, with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour at times. 

NOAA’s NAM 3 km model picks up on the darker blue blotches that will bring heavy snow pockets to Minnesota. The loop below runs between 9 a.m. Wednesday and noon Thursday. 

High winds will whip this snow into the air, especially Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Snow drifts could be several feet deep in some areas. 

 are up for most of southwestern Minnesota to just west of the Twin Cities. 

It’s remarkable how consistent forecast models have been with this storm. I’ve noticed a very slight pullback in overall snowfall totals, but most are still cranking out a range of 14 to 20-plus inches across our region. 

Here’s the latest available National Weather Service snowfall forecast:

Here’s a wider look at Minnesota. Note there will also be significant snow across central parts of Minnesota, with less snow north. 

This still looks like it could very well land as a top 15 snow event for the Twin Cities. If we get 20 inches, that would put us in the top three slots. I still think a top 15 finish is likely. We’ll see if we get to the top three spots.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

Expect slippery roads from the afternoon rush hours Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Many locations may see a lull, or even a brief break in snowfall Wednesday morning before the second, bigger snow wave arrives. 


Heavy snow starts in SW Minnesota; 3-7 inches expected in storm's first wave

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