Mother Nature is About to Remind Minnesota It’s Still February
Minnesotans have been enjoying unseasonably warm spring-like weather over the last few days, but don’t pack away the shovels just yet. Mother Nature is preparing a cold reality check for next week, with significant snow and messy travel conditions possible.
If you're wondering, the official date on most calendars for the end of winter in March 20th, but Minnesotans know the snow and cold can hang around well into April. The latest forecast shows messy weather returning next week.
The Forecast: A Tale of Two Regions
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Duluth is already sounding the alarm. Forecasters are tracking a "strong system" moving east across the Northern Plains that could bring messy weather by mid-week.
While the exact track and precipitation amounts and types are still being determined, accumulating snow and reduced visibility will likely impact travel conditions. Please monitor the forecast closely for updates as the system approaches.
Northern Minnesota could get heavier snow with 5-8 inches possible Tuesday through Wednesday. The Grand Forks NWS office says, "While yes, scenarios resulting in 6-8" of snow or even more do still exist there remains considerable uncertainty in the track of the system and how much will fall as rain vs snow which will dictate totals."
Travel could be difficult north of I-94 while the southern part of the state will deal with messy wet weather too. The weather team at the La Crosse NWS said, "The main snow impacts look to stay north of I-94 with the first system, but other rounds of rain and snow loom on the horizon for the end of the week." Rain is possible Tuesday and Wednesday with colder air and snow showers on Thursday.
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Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth
