Key Takeaways
- A winter snowstorm is expected to hit southern Minnesota on Friday night and drag across the state into Saturday
- Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories have been issued for several counties in Minnesota, including Brown, Nicollet, Redwood, Goodhue, Le Sueur, and Rice counties
- Snowfall totals are expected to range from 3 to 10 inches in various parts of the state, with the Twin Cities likely to see 3 to 4 inches
- Sharply colder air will arrive behind the storm, with high temperatures in the mid-20s on Saturday and in the teens on Sunday
- Another chance for snow is expected at the end of the work week
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A winter snowstorm is slowly moving into southern Minnesota, bringing with it a significant amount of snow and cold temperatures. The storm is expected to drag across the state into Saturday, with highs on Friday reaching the mid-20s and clouds increasing throughout the afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for several counties in southern Minnesota, including Brown, Nicollet, and Redwood counties, which will remain in effect through Saturday. Additionally, Goodhue, Le Sueur, and Rice counties will be under the same warning starting at midnight.
Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories
The winter storm warning is not the only weather alert in effect for Minnesota. A winter weather advisory has been issued for Renville, Sibley, and Yellow Medicine counties, which will also remain in effect through Saturday. Western Minnesota counties and the metro will be under the same advisory beginning at midnight. WCCO has also issued a NEXT Weather Alert, which will be in effect through Saturday. These alerts indicate that travel conditions may be hazardous, and residents are advised to exercise caution when traveling. The winter storm warning and advisory areas are expected to see significant snowfall, with areas along I-90 potentially seeing 6 to 10 inches of snow.
Snowfall Totals and Expected Impacts
The snowfall totals are expected to vary across the state, with some areas seeing more significant amounts than others. Redwood Falls and Red Wing may see between 3 and 5 inches of snow, while Faribault could see 4 to 6 inches. In the Twin Cities, 3 to 4 inches of snow is likely, with 2 to 4 inches expected in the north metro. The snow will begin in southwestern Minnesota on Friday night and then expand across southern and eastern Minnesota on Saturday. The significant snowfall totals and cold temperatures will likely make travel conditions hazardous, and residents are advised to plan accordingly.
Temperature Forecast
The temperature forecast for the next few days is expected to be quite cold. High temperatures on Saturday will be in the mid-20s, with wind chills in the teens. On Sunday, high temperatures will be in the teens, with wind chills in the single digits. The cold temperatures will be a result of sharply colder air arriving behind the storm. High temperatures next week will be between the teens and 20s, with another chance for snow at the end of the work week. The prolonged period of cold temperatures will likely have an impact on daily activities, and residents are advised to dress warmly and take necessary precautions.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, a winter snowstorm is expected to hit southern Minnesota on Friday night and drag across the state into Saturday. The storm will bring significant snowfall and cold temperatures, with winter storm warnings and advisories in effect for several counties. Residents are advised to exercise caution when traveling and to plan accordingly for the hazardous conditions. The cold temperatures will persist into next week, with another chance for snow at the end of the work week. It is essential to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the winter storm.
