Today’s Video:
Good morning everyone! Over the last few hours we have begun to see areas of mixed precipitation work into the southwestern portions of SD. The energy associated with this mixed bag of precipitation (including rain/freezing rain/snow) will continue to lift northeastward, spreading rains and snow to the region as the day progresses.
ND and northern MN are the areas to note for incoming snowfall this evening into tomorrow. Winter Weather Advisories have been hoisted across portions of northeastern ND where 2-4″ of snow is expected to fall through 12pm CDT Friday. Additional advisories may be issued across additional portions of ND.
Simulated radar through 7am CDT Friday: Our brief lull in activity is short-lived as the moisture from the remnants of Rosa and disturbances riding along the eastern periphery of an upper-level low west of the region will bring rains and snow today. As discussed above, a mixed bag of rain/snow/sleet/freezing rain is progressing through southwestern SD. This precipitation will push further into SD during the morning hours, gradually spreading into ND and MN this afternoon and evening. Precipitation will briefly start out as rain before dynamic cooling transitions the rain to snow across a large portion of ND and eventually northern MN this evening and tonight. Some light ice accumulations are possible, mainly in western SD and southwestern ND. A couple storms embedded within the rain activity is likely in eastern SD and southern MN. All this convection will begin to lift out late tomorrow morning. However, another shortwave trough will swing in from the northwest and provide additional snow opportunities to northern ND Friday morning.
Simulated radar from 7am CDT Friday through 7am CDT Saturday: Snows with some light rains along its southern periphery will push eastward across ND/far northern SD Friday with northern MN receiving this precipitation Friday afternoon and night. A few light showers/drizzle is possible as this disturbance progresses through the region southern MN Friday into the night as energy associated with the trough swings through. Heavier rains will remain just off to the south in the Central Plains during this time. Most activity clears out late Friday night.
Accumulating snowfall is expected this evening through Friday night across the northern tier of the area where 2-4″ of slushy snow is likely in portions of northern/eastern ND while lighter amounts of 0.5-1.5″ is likely in northern MN. If traveling definitely proceed with caution as some roadways will become slushy and slick.
Here’s a look at total precipitation (accounts for rain and melted frozen precipitation) through 1pm CDT Saturday: A general 0.1-0.5″ of rain is likely in the eastern two-thirds of SD into MN.
Looking ahead passed the disturbances to end the work week, additional waves of rains and snows on the back-side will impact the region Sunday through Tuesday at least. Frozen precipitation in the form of sleet and snow is possible in the western Dakotas as colder air remains in these areas. Accumulating snow is possible during this timeframe. Some of these rains will be heavy, especially in southern MN where the sharp temperature gradient will be closest.
Custom graphic depicting the areas that have the potential for the accumulating snows Sunday into Monday: Models such as the European have trended more aggressive with snow chances across the western Dakotas where 2-6″ of snow is possible.
Here’s a look at total precipitation through the next 7 days: A sharp temperature gradient across the Central Plains will allow for numerous disturbances to ride along the gradient and impact the Northern Plains. The highest rain totals will be located over eastern SD and southern MN where 1-3″ of rain is likely. Portions of southeastern MN can see 2-4″+ of rain.
Here’s a look at temperatures over the next four days: A stark difference between yesterday and today for the southern portions of the region. Most won’t make it to 50ºF today while widespread 40s (some 30s) will be far more common. A slight increase in temperatures is expected tomorrow for the southern half of the region. A large majority of SD this morning observed a freeze with temperatures slighter higher (still in the 30s) tomorrow morning. Another crash of cold air can be anticipated across the Dakotas Saturday morning.
Here’s a look at dew points over the next four days:
Here’s a look at winds over the next four days: While not as gusty yesterday with the cold front passing through, gusts as high as 35mph are likely in the western Dakotas today.
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!