Snow mainly north Monday; high-impact winter storm Tuesday through Thursday
A major winter storm will be coming our way this week. Much of central and southern Minnesota could pick very significant snowfall amounts. Confidence is increasingly high that much of central and southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin will pick up more than a foot of snow by Thursday.
But first, an Alberta clipper for Monday
An Alberta clipper weather system is spreading light snow across Minnesota Monday morning. Several inches will probably accumulate across the northern half of the state where a winter weather advisory is in effect.
A burst of snow is sweeping across the Twin Cities area as I type. It won’t last long but could cause some slippery streets.
The Twin Cities should have an afternoon high temperature near 36 with the chance of a flurry or sprinkle. Winds will increase from the southwest and become northwest late in the day.
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High-impact winter storm
The big story this week will be the major, prolonged winter storm forecast to arrive in Minnesota on Tuesday and persist into Thursday.
Warm, moist air from the south will flow up and over much colder air coming our way from Canada. This overrunning causes widespread snow. When that pattern persists, as it will this week, significant snowfalls are likely. Expect major travel problems and other disruptions.
The winter storm watch indicated below begins from west to east on Tuesday and continues well into Thursday. It also extends farther north into much of the area now covered by Monday’s winter weather advisory.
Here is an early look at possible snowfall amounts by Thursday morning, with more likely to fall as the day progresses.
Some spots where the snowfall is heaviest could easily get 2 feet of rather fluffy snow by the time it all ends later on Thursday.
The National Weather Service will upgrade their winter storm watches to a winter storm warning package Monday afternoon after the high resolution short-term models get extended into the storm time.
Blizzard conditions possible
Blizzard conditions are possible across open areas of central and southern Minnesota Wednesday night and Thursday. The tightening pressure gradient and dryness of the snow will make it especially susceptible to blowing and drifting.
Turning briefly colder
Colder air will arrive on Thursday but will last for just a couple days.
Moderating over the weekend
Milder temperatures will return for the weekend.
