Good afternoon everyone! This will be a quick update regarding the snows working through the area into tonight. As of 12pm CST, we continue to have a batch of snow work across the eastern two-thirds of ND. Radar returns indicate that snow is falling from the clouds across portions of SD, but current surface observations suggest most of it is evaporating before reaching the ground, per our morning thoughts. This activity is beginning to spread into western MN as well with additional snows likely in Minnesota (especially north) as we head through the afternoon/evening into tonight.
The energy associated with this disturbance is currently working across the Dakotas into western MN, bringing accumulating snows to portions of these areas, especially the eastern two-thirds of ND. Dry air will continue to combat the precipitation risks across SD, so additional accumulations will be harder to come by. A quick coating of snow is possible before all is set and done in portions of SD if enough dynamic cooling can occur to erode the dry air. This disturbance will follow along the upper-air flow to the east and bring light accumulating snows to MN through tonight.
Simulated radar through 6pm CST Sunday: The wave of light snows continues its push west to east across the region, persisting through the remainder of the afternoon and evening hours in ND. Snow coverage will increase across MN, especially north, over the next several hours as we gradually work out the activity from ND. The northern portions of SD may also see very light snow accumulations on the order of a coating as this system progresses through the remainder of the day. Light snow accumulations are also likely in the Blackhills given its higher elevation. We can’t fully rule out light snow showers in southern SD, but given the drier air found in these parts, steadier, accumulating snows will be unlikely. Definitely be mindful of the roadways if traveling as the snows will likely make the commute hazardous. By Sunday morning, the main bulk of the snows will have departed to the east of the region. However, scattered light snow showers from northwesterly flow will be lingering in portions of northern MN. Scattered light snow chances will remain in northern MN through the duration of Sunday that will lead to pockets of additional snow accumulations. Elsewhere, a lack of sufficient energy will keep most places dry (though we can’t rule out a few flurries across western SD into ND) with just lingering pockets of clouds.
Here’s an updated graphic for additional snowfall risks through the day Sunday: The greatest risks for accumulating snows continue to be across the eastern two-thirds of ND before weakening in intensity somewhat across northern MN this afternoon into tonight. Accumulations of 1-3″ will be widespread across the eastern two-thirds of ND into northern MN. Locations across eastern ND will have the better chance to observe the higher end of these amounts. We can’t rule out isolated higher amounts in areas that observe heavier bands of snow. As you progress southward, snow accumulations lessen with the far southern portions of the region receiving very little to no snow due to drier air dominating. Definitely be wary of slick spots if you are heading out today and tomorrow! Please note that most of this snow comes through tonight with additional light snowfall accumulations likely in portions of northern MN Sunday.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great rest of your day!