Today’s Video:
Good morning everyone! Here’s a current look (as of 8:30am CDT) at the temperatures across the region. Widespread 30s are prevalent in ND and northern MN while temperatures in the 40s are more common further south in SD and southern MN.
A thin, narrow band of rain is separating temperatures between the 30s and 40s across the region. This band of light rain stretches from central MN southwestward into central SD. To the north of this weak disturbance, light rain and snow showers are being observed across portions of ND and northern MN.
The upper-level energy associated with the narrow band of rain will continue eastward today across the rest of eastern SD and into southern MN. There may be enough instability to creep far enough northward that locations in the southern fourth of MN can see a couple storms. Some pockets of hail may accompany these storms. However, the best chances for storms will remain just off to the south and east. This model doesn’t pick up on the energy, but remaining light rain and snow showers are possible in the far northern areas before they fade/lift northward into the afternoon hours.
Simulated radar through 10pm CDT tonight: Stratiform rains in SD and central MN will progress eastward through the remainder of the day, impacting southern MN as well late this morning into the afternoon hours. Light rain and snow showers in northern ND/MN will lift northward early afternoon. Most rains in the region will exit off to the north or east by 7pm CDT this evening. However, a few weak showers will impact the southern two rows of counties in the area tonight that the model is not necessarily picking up on.
More upper-level energy will enter the region from the west Tuesday night into Wednesday. This will allow for shower chances to increase across the western Dakotas and the far northern areas first Tuesday night, and then points further east during the morning and afternoon hours Wednesday. Wrap-around snow is possible as the rains transition to snow across far northern ND Wednesday.
Simulated radar from 7am CDT Tuesday through 1pm CDT Wednesday: A few lighter showers will work out ahead of our next disturbance across the far southern areas and northern ND/MN Tuesday. Shower coverage will increase across the western Dakotas Tuesday night, working east into the eastern Dakotas and eventually MN Wednesday morning. Wrap-around rains will likely develop late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across northern ND while shower and storm chances increase in MN, especially east, Wednesday morning and afternoon. As discussed previously, rains will likely transition to snow across far northern ND Wednesday as the cold front associated with these rains drop temperatures in the area.
Here’s a look at total rainfall through 1pm CDT Wednesday: The best chance for measurable precipitation will be across southeastern MN and northwestern ND. Rainfall amounts of 0.5-1″ of rain is likely across far southeastern MN during this timespan while 0.1-0.5″ is more likely in northwestern ND with the wrap-around rains Wednesday. Snow is in the equation in far northern ND Wednesday where up to 0.5″ of wet snow is possible.
Shower/any snow activity in the region will lift out Wednesday night with higher pressure drifting into the area late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. However, the calmer weather associated with the higher pressure will be short-lived as it quickly exits and is replaced with additional shower activity across the Dakotas Thursday afternoon and evening and eventually MN overnight. Enough cold air will remain in place across northern ND/MN that areas of snow are possible. Another disturbance will follow Friday afternoon into Saturday with similar areas before seeing rain or snow.
Here’s a look at total precipitation through the next 7 days: A sharp temperature gradient will remain in place across our far southeastern areas. This area will be the battle zone as numerous disturbances ride along this gradient. Rainfall amounts of 1-3″+ are likely in far southern MN.
Here’s a look at temperatures over the next four days: The region will remain north of a frontal boundary draped across the Central Plains through Tuesday, allowing for cooler air to remain in place. However, a warm front will lift into the western Dakotas Tuesday bringing temperatures into the 70s. Another blast of cooler air is on tap behind a strong cold front in the northwestern areas Wednesday and for a large majority of the region Thursday. Overnight lows in the 40s will be common tonight. Many areas have experienced a freeze at this point across the region, but another opportunity for those who haven’t is possible Thursday morning.
Here’s a look at dew points over the next four days: A surge in moisture will occur across the eastern areas Wednesday before another cooler, drier shot of Canadian air works in Thursday.
Here’s a look at winds over the next four days: A strong cold front will blast through the region Wednesday and with it strong winds likely.
Here are the temperature charts over the next 10 days for Bismarck, Fargo, Sioux Falls and Minneapolis:
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great day!