Good afternoon everyone! This will be a quick update regarding snow chances through the day Friday. Light snows continue to track across southern MN as of 4:30pm CST. We’ll continue to note snow chances across these areas through the remainder of the evening into tonight while snow squalls associated with the upper-level low to the north digs southward into northern MN.
The main story into tonight will be the snow showers and squalls that develop across the state. A strong upper-level low will combine with enough instability to produce scattered snow squalls that slowly drop southward tonight across northern MN with lighter snow showers persisting across southern MN before exiting to the east by 5am CST Friday. A weak pulse of energy from the west may also bring some squally snow showers to southwestern MN before pushing to the south by the noon hour. Widespread snow squalls will remain across northeastern/east-central MN through the afternoon hours Friday due to better dynamics, gradually tapering northwest to southeast by 6pm CST. Some of these quick-hitting bursts of snow can quickly produce light snow accumulations and low visibilities.
With the nature of snow squalls comes a quick-hitting burst of heavy snow and lower visibilities. Accompanying this convection will be strong wind gusts, especially in areas impacted by the squalls. Gusts upwards of 30mph will be common across the state Friday, especially in snow squalls. This may lead to some blowing snow.
Here’s a look at total snowfall through the day Friday: Many areas will receive a dusting of snow, but a few pockets of 0.5-2″ of snow cannot be ruled out with the snows in the southern portions of the state and snow squalls elsewhere. The best chance for these snowfall amounts will come across northern MN in the snow squalls given the batter dynamics associated with the upper-level low. Definitely be mindful of slick spots through Friday as quick-hitting snow squalls can leave a burst of snow accumulation on the roadways.
Following behind the upper-level low will be colder temperatures. As the upper-level low digs to the east of the area, arctic air from Canada will flood southward into the state, with the vast majority dipping into the teens for lows Saturday morning. Locations under greater snow cover may even fall into the single digits due to increased radiational cooling.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great evening!