Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

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A post-Thanksgiving snowstorm is set to move in just as one of the busiest travel weekends of the year continues. Heavy snow and plunging temperatures will cause some travel disruptions and post-holiday headaches.

Round two of winter storms is pushing out of the Rockies into the Central Plains, with its unfortunate timing for holiday travel. A slow-moving low-pressure system will move just to our south on Saturday, bringing heavy, accumulating snowfall and a secondary blast of cold air.

Snowfall totals are expected to be heaviest in southern Minnesota, tapering off as you head north. Southern counties could see a widespread 6 to 10+ inches, from Fairmont to Mankato, Albert Lea, and Rochester, extending into western Wisconsin. The Twin Cities area will see varying amounts, with the southern metro forecasted for 3 to 5 inches, and northern and central parts of the metro receiving 2 to 4 inches.

Once again, the cutoff for snow totals will be abrupt. Areas north of St. Cloud may see only a dusting, while west-central to central Minnesota could receive 1 to 5 inches.

Winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings will go into effect at 6 p.m. Friday and remain in place until midnight Saturday night. 

Winds won’t be as strong with this system but are expected to reach 10 to 15 mph, which may cause some blowing and drifting snow, especially in rural areas. 

Snow will gradually spread eastward Friday night, with central Minnesota and the Twin Cities seeing a light coating by Saturday morning, and southern areas possibly picking up 1 to 4 inches of accumulation. 

A brief lull in the snowfall is expected early Saturday, before another wave of snow moves in late Saturday morning.

Temperatures will once again take a dive with a secondary shot of cold Canadian air, with highs in the teens and lows in the single digits above and below zero. 

Sunday and Monday morning will be particularly chilly, with wind chill temperatures in the single digits below zero. 

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

A post-Thanksgiving snowstorm is set to move in just as one of the busiest travel weekends of the year continues. Heavy snow and plunging temperatures will cause some travel disruptions and post-holiday headaches.


Forecast snowfall through early Sunday morning

National Weather Service

NOAA via Weather Prediction Center

Forecast precipitation Friday 4 p.m to midnight Saturday night

NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Chilly high and low temperatures Sunday through Saturday

Snowstorm sequel: Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again

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