Light Snow Potential

After a fairly nice, sub-freezing, semi-thaw yesterday, we'll head right back to the deep freeze this week. The good news is that the blast of Arctic air sliding in for tomorrow won't last too long, we should see temperatures warm already by the middle and end of this week. The Arctic air will ride on a breezy northwesterly wind on the back side of a light snow maker, which will make its way through the Upper Midwest tonight. 1" to 3" of snow is possible through Monday, which may be just enough to mess up the morning commute a little tomorrow. This system is much smaller than the storm that pushed through during the middle of last week. Last weeks storms was rare because such strong winds accompanied the heavy snow over such a large are. That storm blew through will some vigor and everybody knew that something was awry. This time, only a few locations will be affected by the storm in the Upper Midwest and the Great Lakes Region.


Weather Map Tonight
Here's the accumulated precipitation from 12am to 6am Monday - note that the heaviest of the precipitation stays across southern Minnesota. This is where the Monday morning commute may get a little hairy.



High Temperatures for Monday
Here are the expected high temperatures on Monday - note the bitterly cold air across northwestern Minnesota and the Dakotas. This is the heart of the Arctic air, which is seeping south of the international border behind the light snow maker. Keep in mind that the coldest part of the week will occur Monday and Tuesday, but that Arctic air will modify some (not be as cold) as it continues to sag southward.


End of the Week Warm-Up
I thought I'd show you this, just so you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Warmer weather is on the way by Thursday and Friday of this week. Look at the high temperatures across the region for Friday - note the temperatures farther southwest - in the 40's




Todd's Outlook for the Twin Cities

Today: Much colder. Increasing clouds by late afternoon and light snow developing late. High: 18 (falling)

Tonight: Light snow likely, 1" to 3" possible, mainly south. Low: 8

Monday: Snow showers early, then tapering to flurries by afternoon. Turning much colder again. High: 16 (falling)

Tuesday: Bitter sun, feels like late January again. High: 7

Wednesday: Cold start. Partly cloud. High: 13

Thursday: Slight chance of light snow, warmer. High: 21

Friday: Mix of clouds and sun, warmer yet. Highs: Mid to upper 20's