Good afternoon everyone! We continue to track scattered “bursts” of snow lingering across eastern MN as of 4:30pm CST with just some light snow flurries in the vicinity of Fargo, ND. These snows will gradually progress to the east this evening as the upper-level low pushes out of the region. Following this storm system will be very cold temperatures due to the fresh snow cover and the earlier passage of the arctic front.
The redevelopment of these scattered snow showers was spot-on across eastern MN during the course of the afternoon. These snows are following along the western periphery of an upper-level low, so they will gradually lift out of eastern MN this evening with most areas dry by 9pm CST tonight. However, a few lingering light snow flurries are possible in the northern half of MN through about 12am CST tonight. Additional accumulations with these snows as they exit this evening will generally stay under 0.5″. Our eyes will then turn towards the next wave set to lift into western ND tonight.
With the passage of the arctic front earlier today and a stout upper-level northwesterly wind pumping in more Canadian air, temperatures will likely plummet once again into Saturday morning. Saturday morning lows are expected to fall into the single digits across a majority of MN with some locations (mainly in north-central MN) possibly approaching 0ºF by daybreak. Further west across the western Dakotas, our next incoming wave will cause a resurgence in temperatures (lows in the 20s). Wind chills across the eastern Dakotas into MN may fall below 0ºF for several hours late tonight into Saturday morning.
Simulated radar from 9pm CST tonight through 12am CST Monday: The next wave of snow moves in overnight tonight (after 10pm CST) across western ND and persists through the day tomorrow in ND pushing into MN and lighter snows continuing into Saturday night. The northern portions of SD and the Blackhills will also work in some light snow activity as this system progresses eastward through the day Saturday, though it will likely be battling more dry air in SD. By Sunday morning, scattered light snows will be lingering across northern/northeastern MN. Scattered snow chances will remain in northern MN through the duration of Sunday.
Winds from the northwest will pick up behind this system across the western Dakotas Saturday afternoon and evening. Wind gusts approaching 35mph will be common, especially in western SD before tapering off somewhat Saturday night into Sunday, though it will still remain breezy. Any snow that falls in these areas will likely blow, possibly resulting in lower visibilities.
Here’s an updated graphic for total snowfall through Saturday night: The heaviest accumulations will fall across ND (especially northern areas) before weakening in intensity across MN late Saturday into Saturday night. Accumulations of 1-3″ will be widespread across ND and northern MN while heavier snows in northern ND will lead to 2-5″. We can’t rule out a few isolated locations in ND receiving upwards of 6″ 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 this weekend!
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great weekend!