Good morning everyone! The wave of snow that impacted a large chunk of ND yesterday into last night continues to progress eastward bringing areas of light snow to portions of northern MN as of 6am CST. These snows are expected to stay on the lighter side through the duration of the day, but likely not exit as we continue to see reinforcing shots of upper-level energy provide enough forcing to keep scattered snow chances around, especially in northern MN but also ND.
Here’s the general synopsis working through the remainder of the day: As previously mentioned, a couple pieces of energy (the first shown below) will help to keep scattered light snow activity around today and even into Sunday for some areas in ND and northern MN. However, the best chances for snow at this point in time will be in the northern third of MN.
Simulated radar through 6am CST Sunday: As previously stated, snow showers will persist in northern MN throughout the day with wrap-around snow showers likely starting to get their act together in western ND late this morning while pushing eastward. Through the afternoon hours, these scattered wrap-around snow showers will continue to traverse eastward across ND. However, as we approach this evening, the bulk of the snow shower activity will be found over northern MN. Slowly-but-surely into tonight and early Sunday, the snow coverage will begin to fade but continue through the duration of this loop.
Simulated radar from 6am CST Sunday through 12pm CST Monday: Sunday will be the day we start to really notice the weakening trend with the snow showers across ND and northern MN. Most activity will have either faded or exited ND by 12pm CST Sunday while northern MN comes later around 9pm CST that same evening. A few light snow showers may clip northeastern SD into southern MN into Sunday. It will be noticeably drier across a majority of the area late Sunday into most of Sunday night. However, another weak wave with some scattered light snow shower activity will progress into ND early Christmas Eve. Given the scattered nature of these snow showers, snow accumulations will remain relatively light with some areas not observing measurable snow.
Here’s a look at total snowfall through Sunday: Snow accumulations will remain on the lighter side with the best chances for accumulations being located over the northern third of MN. Regardless, lower visibilities will be common with these snows along with slick roadways so definitely take it easy if traveling this weekend. Snow accumulations become less common the further south you head.
The strong signal continues for a potent storm system mid-late next week on the model guidance which suggests a possible round of heavy snowfall. Specifics remain too early to pinpoint at this time due to the likelihood of continued fluctuations in track and intensity but something to iron out as the event nears. Never-the-less, there is a healthy signal for a wide swath of 6-12″+ of snow that stretches from SD through a large majority of MN. However, warm air advection in southern MN may limit how much snow can be produced.
Total precipitation over the next 7 days: Precipitation through this timespan will largely be dependent on the potential snowstorm as a majority comes from this one system. Liquid amounts of 1″+ is looking more likely in southern SD into southern MN with amounts slowly falling off the further north you head, though still above average for this timeframe. Post-Christmas travel will likely be heavily impacted by this storm so definitely keep monitoring.
Here’s a look at temperatures over the next four days:
Here’s a look at winds over the next four days: We’ll need to watch for lower visibilities at times especially in the wrap-around snow showers today. Regardless, strong winds are likely in the western Dakotas with the passage of the system. Wind gusts approaching 35-40mph will be likely in these areas with breezy conditions expanding through the remainder of the Dakotas into western MN.
Here’s a look at the city charts for Fargo, Bismarck, Minneapolis and Sioux Falls:
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great weekend!