Heavy Snow Forecasted for Rochester & Southeast Minnesota This Weekend

UPDATED INFO: FORECAST NOW CALLS FOR EVEN MORE SNOW.

Original story:

When the Minnesota Department of Transportation released the winning names for their annual "Name a Snowplow" contest a couple of weeks ago, I joked on the radio that we wouldn’t even get to use them until next winter.

The past few weeks have been a total roller coaster, with temperatures swinging from the 60s to much more seasonable levels. Yesterday, I was outside grilling burgers and playing basketball. If the latest forecast holds, this weekend will be a completely different story.

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Rochester and most of Southeast Minnesota can expect a rain-snow mix Tuesday night, followed by a few snow showers on Wednesday. That won't amount to much. Consider it an appetizer for what's coming this weekend.

Heavy Snow Possible This Weekend in Rochester and Southeast Minnesota

High temperatures will continue to slide throughout the week. We started in the 60s, but by Saturday, we’ll be in the 30s. Unfortunately, the cold isn't the only concern. Heavy snow is also in the forecast, which could create difficult travel conditions across the region.

The latest 10-day forecast from the Weather Channel says snow showers will move into the area Saturday afternoon, with heavier snow Saturday night.

The latest forecast suggests Rochester could see significant accumulation this weekend, with 3–5 inches possible Saturday night and an additional 1–3 inches likely on Sunday.

Temperatures will remain chilly all the way through Wednesday (bundle up for St. Patrick’s Day) before finally bouncing back into the 50s by Thursday of next week.