Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Patchy fog possible overnight, mild Monday ahead before our next winter storm

Anomalous warmth continues through the work week

Winter storm watch
Winter storm watch
NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Areas of freezing fog and patchy fog are expected to develop overnight Sunday into Monday morning across the state. A mild Monday is ahead, with temperatures remaining well above normal. However, a strong storm system is set to take shape midweek, bringing accumulating snow to the Northland.

Mild temperatures continue into work week

Anomalous warmth for mid-February will continue into the work week, with highs expected to remain 20 to 30 degrees above seasonal averages. This unseasonably mild stretch will persist until cooler air begins to filter in late week, bringing temperatures back to more seasonal levels.

Low temperatures Sunday night will dip into the teens and 20s in the north, with milder 30s expected across the southern portion of the state. Areas of patchy fog and freezing fog are possible in low-lying areas into Monday morning.

Lows for Sunday night
Lows for Sunday night
National Weather Service

A mild Monday is in store, with high temperatures reaching the upper 30s to low 40s across northern and central Minnesota, and 50s expected in the southern part of the state.

Highs for Monday
Highs for Monday
National Weather Service

Midweek storm system

It’s been a while since a snowstorm has been in the forecast, but one is on the horizon for late Tuesday, lasting into Thursday. A winter storm watch has been issued for the northern third of the state, beginning Tuesday evening.

Winter storm watch
Winter storm watch
NOAA via Pivotal Weather

The latest forecast models indicate a more northerly track for the low-pressure system, moving through the Dakotas into central and southern Minnesota. The exact track of the system will determine the location and intensity of the heaviest snow bands.

Surface analysis Tuesday 6 p.m.
Surface analysis Tuesday 6 p.m.
NOAA via Weather Prediction Center

Temperatures in southern Minnesota will remain mild, ranging from the 40s to 50s, allowing mostly rain to fall. Meanwhile, northern Minnesota faces a high risk of a heavy, wet snow band late Tuesday into early Wednesday, with a strong likelihood of at least 4 inches of snow. This system will move slowly, keeping precipitation chances in the forecast through Thursday.

Snow potential for the Arrowhead
Snow potential for the Arrowhead
National Weather Service

Winds will intensify with the strong low-pressure system, creating the potential for blizzard-like conditions in areas with falling snow. Gusts are expected to reach 30 to 40 mph.

Wind speed and direction for Tuesday 6 a.m. to midnight
Wind speed and direction for Tuesday 6 a.m. to midnight
NOAA via College of DuPage Weather

Cooler air will follow the system, with lingering light snow showers possible into Friday. Despite the cooler temperatures, highs will return to seasonal levels in the 20s and 30s by Friday.

Another system may bring winter conditions to southern Minnesota, with a very active weather pattern expected from Friday into the weekend.