Spring storm will bring rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow to Minnesota

After a record-breaking Friday with temperatures in the 80s and thunderstorms, winter makes a comeback with a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow. A complex storm system is expected to affect the region from Saturday into Sunday.

Anything but a lamb

Another spring storm system is targeting Minnesota for the final weekend of March. It’s clear that March is definitely not going out "like a lamb."

Winter weather advisories were issued statewide, including a large portion of the metro area. This spring storm system will bring rain, a wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet, followed by snow.

Areas of widespread rain will move in towards midday. Many areas could see anywhere between 0.75 to 1.25 inches of rain. Our average precipitation for the month of March is 1.68 inches.

The rain will gradually transition to snow from northwest to southeast. During this changeover, freezing rain and sleet are possible. Central Minnesota is at the highest risk for ice accumulation, with around 0.1 inches expected.

Snow totals are expected to vary, with the metro area seeing a slushy inch or two, central Minnesota receiving up to 4 inches, and western Minnesota and the North Shore potentially getting more than half a foot of snow.

The system will wrap up by Sunday, but not before leaving its mark on the Upper Midwest.

Cooler and breezy

A big change in temperatures Saturday compared to Friday’s state record high of 86 in Fairmont. Highs will warm into the mid-40s, with upper 30s and low 40s across the state.

Saturday night, temperatures will drop to around freezing in the metro, with lows in the low 30s southeast, the low 20s in northern Minnesota, and upper 20s across central and western parts of the state.

Breezy northeast winds expected through the weekend, with gusts over 25 to 30 mph.