Messy spring system brings wintry mix to region

This week has felt like one long April Fool’s joke, with multiple systems bringing a messy mix of weather across the region. Saturday will be no exception, as yet another system moves in with a combination of ice, rain, and snow across the state.

Mix of rain, ice and snow

A dreary and complicated weather pattern is taking shape this Saturday, delivering a little bit of everything across the region. Widespread fog and low clouds are combining with a messy mix of rain, snow, and freezing rain as a surface low pushes east into southern Wisconsin.

Winter storm warnings, advisories, and an ice storm warning are in effect across the Upper Midwest. Heavy bands of snow are possible in northern Minnesota, while the greatest threat for icing is expected across northern Wisconsin.

Northern Minnesota will continue to see its share of snowfall, with some areas picking up an additional half foot. Heavy, wet snow will persist through Saturday afternoon before gradually tapering off from west to east by evening.

Northwest winds of 10 to 20 mph will usher in colder air, bringing an end to the wintry mix by late morning. These blustery conditions may also lead to areas of blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility at times.

Snow will continue piling up across northern Minnesota, with some areas picking up another half foot, from the southern Red River Valley through Bemidji and International Falls into the Arrowhead region.

Consider this a not-so-subtle reminder that April still delivers snow, with the metro typically seeing about 3.5 inches. And with more than two-thirds of the state in drought, we’ll take the moisture however it comes.