Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News
Paul Huttner

Latest snow shot delivers; rumors of milder air ahead?

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The forecast models have done a remarkably good job over the past 6 weeks handling waves of snow system across Minnesota. Our latest snow system delivered pretty much as expected. We endured yet another rush hour slog Friday afternoon. Now we watch the next Arctic front drop in Saturday with gusty northwest winds.

I keep thinking about our Minnesota plow drivers over the past weeks. They've done an incredible job keeping us moving during the snowiest February and 4th snowiest month of all time in the Twin Cities and much of Minnesota. I hope they're getting enough sleep. Give your local plow crew a hug or buy them a beer when you see them.

3 1 stp snow
Another snowy Friday afternoon in St. Paul. Image: Paul Huttner/MPR news.

Friday snow delivers

Friday's snow system delivered. The model predictions of widespread 2" to 4" snowfall totals across Minnesota look solid. As the flakes fade an army of dozens of NWS cooperative and citizen observers step outside and measure the snowfall totals.

Again.

You can check the latest totals as they roll in here.

3 1 map

Last subzero in sight?

By my count, we've logged 25 days at or below zero at MSP Airport this season. That's slightly higher than the long-term average of 23 days. We add 2 more in the Twin Cities Sunday and Monday morning. I can see some records falling this weekend.

Temperatures moderate later next week. We still hover below average, but it will feel noticeably milder. I could see many bank thermometers flashing 30-degrees by next weekend.

3 1 www
NOAA via Weather Bell.

I can't guarantee next week will deliver the last subzero of the season in the Twin Cities. But I'd say the chances are much better than 50-50.

Milder air in sight?

Again, don't bet the farm on this. We take longer-range forecast data with a pile of salt. But I'm still seeing consistent model trends that suggest significantly milder air on the way in the March 11-15 time frame. The upper air progs suggest a milder Pacific flow once again.

3 1 500
NOAA upper air chart for 7 pm CDT March 15.

NOAA's GFS model cranks out the first 40-degree temperature I've seen so far this season on March 15.

3 1 16
NOAA via Metoestar.

Could this be too optimistic? Yes. Will we get more snow? Yes. Does it mean spring will come gushing in? No.

But I'm seeing a trend. Stay tuned.