Cooler but still well above normal this week

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Light snow showers continue to track across the state Thursday afternoon, moving from from west to east. Accumulations remain minimal, while northwest winds continue to strengthen. 

A second, more powerful system is expected to move in Saturday night into Sunday, bringing another chance for some snow.

Current surface analysis reveals a cold front moving across the state. Light snow accumulations, ranging from a dusting to over an inch, are possible. Heavier snow, up to 2 inches, is expected in north-central Minnesota. 

Behind the clipper system, our winds will increase out of the northwest at 5 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching over 20 mph.

Despite the cold front, temperatures will still rise to above-average levels, reaching the mid to upper 20s, with some areas in southwestern Minnesota hitting low 30s.

Friday will bring seasonal highs in the 20s for central and southern regions, while the northern areas will experience single digits and teens.

Lately, it’s been dry for the Upper Midwest. The last appreciable snow amounts fell on Dec. 28. There is another chance for snow in the forecast Saturday night into Sunday as another clipper system passes through. 

The snowfall potential for Saturday’s system ranges from 1 inch to more than 3 inches in northern Minnesota. The system has recently taken a more northerly track, so northern Minnesota is expected to receive the bulk of the snowfall.

A brief cooldown is expected behind the weekend system, with highs ranging from single digits above to below zero on Monday. 

The temperature trend from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center shows that temperatures for the next six to 10 days will be near normal for most of the state, with above-average temperatures expected in northern Minnesota.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

Light snow showers continue to track across the state Thursday afternoon, moving from from west to east. Northwest winds continue to strengthen. A second, more powerful system is expected Saturday night into Sunday, bringing another chance for some snow.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Prediction Center

National Weather Service

Winds Thursday from 12 p.m. til midnight 

NOAA via College of DuPage Weather

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA

Forecast precipitation Saturday morning through noon Sunday

NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Snowfall potential through Sunday afternoon 

Snowy Thursday afternoon; brisk northwest winds

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