Good morning everyone! Taking a look at current temperatures this morning (as of 9:20am CST), many in the eastern Dakotas into MN have woken up with temperatures dropping well into the single digits with even some negative degree readings showing up in northeastern MN. This excludes southeastern MN where temperatures have only been able to fall into the low 20s. There are areas of freezing fog to note this morning in southeastern SD into southern MN, but this fog should slowly erode through the remainder of the morning hours.
A weak wave of energy working through the Dakotas at this time will bring some high clouds to the eastern Dakotas into MN this afternoon into tonight. The majority of the region will have dryness in the mid-levels, which won’t allow much in the way of precipitation to develop and reach the surface. However, as shown below, an area of higher saturation in eastern SD into southwestern MN may allow for isolated patches of light snow showers/freezing drizzle. This looks to be a minimal threat at this time but something to keep in mind.
Here’s a simulation of the cloud cover associated with this system as it traverse the Northern Plains today: The area of clouds over portions of the western two-thirds of the Dakotas will continue eastward and bring additional clouds to the eastern Dakotas into MN this afternoon and evening. As this weak wave works eastward, skies will begin to clear out in the western Dakotas this afternoon.
Simulated radar from 6pm EST this evening through 12pm CST Sunday: Overall, not looking at much in the way of precipitation as the vast majority of the area will remain on the drier side. It won’t be until mainly after 9pm CST this evening when the isolated patches of light snow/freezing drizzle start to develop in the eastern third of SD into southwestern MN. This isolated risk will remain through the nighttime hours before gradually dissipating Sunday morning across southwestern MN. Snow accumulation is not expected with this weak wave.
Additional patchy fog risks will be possible late tonight into Sunday morning across the eastern third of SD and northern MN. Temperatures in these areas will be below freezing, so there is the risk for patchy freezing fog. Any areas of fog present in the region Sunday morning will gradually erode as the morning progresses.
Sunday’s sky cover forecast: The Dakotas will have a nice day in store for Sunday with plentiful sunshine expected, especially as you head west. Areas of clouds associated with the weak wave of energy this evening into tonight will remain across MN during the day Sunday, but a mix of sun and clouds should still be anticipated.
Here’s a look at 7-day precipitation totals: Our inactive weather pattern continues through this timespan with minimal precipitation chances expected. An additional weak wave is possible late Tuesday into Wednesday morning across ND into northwestern MN with light precipitation possibly clipping far eastern MN Wednesday afternoon. Another disturbance will traverse the region Thursday but will remain substantially weak and likely fade late Thursday.
Here’s a look at temperatures over the next four days: High temperatures through the weekend will largely remain in the low to mid 20s across the eastern Dakotas into MN with some slightly warmer air working northward into western SD where temperatures will climb into the mid 30s. Sunday morning lows will still be chilly in ND where most will dip into the single digits. Low temperatures in the teens are expected elsewhere. Heading into Sunday night and Monday morning, low temperatures will fall further in eastern SD into MN with many in the upper single digits to lower teens.
Here’s a look at winds over the next four days: Generally speaking, winds will remain on the lighter side due to high pressure.
Here’s a look at the city charts over the next 10 days for Fargo, Bismarck, Minneapolis and Sioux Falls:
If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out! Have a great weekend!