Southeast MN to accumulate several inches of snow, but sideswipe the Twin Cities

The much watched weather system has kicked into gear and was producing a nice area of snow, mixed with rain at times, across southeast Minnesota and into Wisconsin this morning.

The infrared satellite image was showing some enhanced cloud tops over southern Minnesota, which supports snow continuing for much of the day around Rochester, where 3 to 6 inches are possible.

Southeast Minnesota appears to be in the "sweet spot" for accumulating snow.

The Weather Prediction Center takes this snow up into north central Wisconsin with high confidence of 4 inches or more today.

The Twin Cities may accumulate an inch of snow today, with temperatures holding in the lower to middle 30s. Track the weather changes and snow reports from the LaCrosse National Weather Service.

Lingering snow this evening could impact travel on the highways heading to Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Dubuque and Des Moines, Iowa.

Quiet weather looks to be on tap for the upper Midwest on Wednesday, but travel woes are likely from Chicago to the East Coast where gusty winds and rain are forecast.

Heavy rainfall is possible from Boston to Washington, D.C.  Thunderstorms are likely in Florida.

Air transportation delays for major airports can be followed at this link provided by the Federal Aviation Administration.

High temperatures for Christmas Day will be  somewhat above seasonal normals.

One of the forecast models is developing a band of snow from Alexandria to Duluth on Christmas afternoon.  I'll keep an eye on that possibility as well as the potential for snow on Friday.

Colder air penetrates the northern half of the country on the weekend. More on the arctic invasion at midday.