Good morning everyone! We are tracking a batch of light snow activity lingering across eastern/northeastern MN as of 7:55am CST while scattered flurries continue across portions of ND. The snows across the eastern portions of MN will gradually work east out of the region late this morning while persisting areas of scattered snow showers and flurries are expected in the region today due to weak energy remaining aloft. As shown in the second graphic, the current temperatures across the region are warmer than at this time yesterday, but that is still relative. It is still chilly in ND and northern MN where temperatures in the teens are being observed. Due to temperatures staying well below freezing, dry, fluffy snows can be expected.
As discussed above, we’ll gradually work out the convection in eastern MN late this morning as the energy associated with it lifts east. However, very weak energy aloft will keep scattered snow/flurry chances alive today, especially in the circled regions below. A weak shortwave trough will dig into the northeastern portions of the region this afternoon through tonight, allowing scattered “bursts” of snow showers to develop and track southeastward. These scattered snow chances will be hit or miss, so not everyone will observe snow. Another area to watch is over the southwestern portions of the region with a weak pulse of energy working through. This will bring a weak scattered wave of snow showers to western SD and far southwestern ND this afternoon and evening.
Simulated radar through 6am CST Monday: The area of snow showers impacting eastern MN gradually works out around 12pm CST while scattered snow showers work into far southwestern ND and western SD. After 3pm CST, the shortwave trough from southern Canada will dig into northern MN and provide scattered snow chances through the late afternoon and evening hours. Northeastern ND will likely get clipped by these snow showers. During the nighttime hours, scattered snow showers work southeastward across northern MN while snow chances in western SD fade as the energy works out of the region. Elsewhere, a lack of sufficient energy will likely keep many places dry with lingering pockets of clouds. However, we can’t rule out a isolated snow showers/flurries.
Simulated radar from 6am CST Monday through 12pm CST Tuesday: Scattered snow showers in northern MN will lose intensity and coverage as Monday progresses. Isolated patches of snow showers/flurries work southeastward across the remainder of the region with most areas fading by mid afternoon. We’ll still continue scattered snow chances in northern MN Monday afternoon/evening through Tuesday morning. All convection will lift out of the Dakotas by Monday night with lingering patches of snow showers/flurries continuing in central/southern MN into Tuesday morning before fading.
Total snowfall through 12pm CST Tuesday: Snowfall amounts will remain rather light across the majority of the area, with most staying under 0.5″. Given the scattered nature of the snow, one location won’t receive snow while another area just down the road can see a quick coating. The best chances for snow accumulations during this time will be across the far northern sections of MN where patches of 1-2″ of snow are possible before all is set and done. The Blackhills can also observe a quick 1″ of snow as well. Definitely be mindful of any slick spots you may come across through this duration!
Total precipitation through the next 7 days via the European Model: Following this system, higher pressure works into the region with the first half of this upcoming week generally quiet besides the isolated snow shower chances. Most disturbances will stay clear of the area, impacting locations further north across central Saskatchewan/Manitoba. The European does bring in a few very light waves late week into early weekend, but indications point towards these being very minor events. Regardless, it will be something to watch going forward.
Here’s a look at temperatures over the next four days: The vast majority of the region will remain in the 20s for highs today with some wiggle-room in western SD to climb into the mid 30s. Another blast of Canadian air will slide into the region Monday that will result in many across ND and northern MN failing to exceed 20ºF for highs. Moderating temperatures are likely Tuesday and especially Wednesday. Overnight lows will stay quite chilly for this time of year with most in the region dipping into the teens tonight. With that next blast of cold air entering Monday, overnight lows Tuesday morning will fall into the single digits across northern MN. There is an additional chance Tuesday morning that lows drop near 0ºF in isolated locations of northern MN. Due to the fresh snow cover, temperatures may be lower than what is suggested by model guidance.
Here’s a look at winds over the next four days: Winds will not be as gusty today as they were yesterday. However, area-wide we can still observe some breezy conditions of up to 25mph that will help to reduce visibilities with the scattered light snow shower activity. With higher pressure dominating the area Tuesday, winds will remain rather light.
Here’s a look at the city charts over the next 10 days for Bismarck, Fargo, Sioux Falls and Minneapolis: A period of moderation starts mid work week with an intermittent cold shot of air likely Saturday.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great weekend!