Updraft: December 2, 2011 Archive

Snow likely southeast Minnesota Saturday

Posted at 6:37 AM on December 2, 2011 by Craig Edwards
Filed under: Forecast models, Snow, Winter storms

The changes in the jet stream pattern appear to be on track to push moisture into southeast Minnesota later tonight through Satuday evening. As the moisture meets up with the colder temperatures, accumulating snow is likely to occur from Austin through Dexter, Wabasha and on into Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Snowfall could be four inches or more in the region.

At this time, the continuity of the model data is holding firm in keeping the Twin Cities metro on the fringe of the snow band. We'll track the developing precipitation on radar as the system advances toward Iowa and Minnesota later tonight.

Confidence has heightened on the potential for significant snowfall and a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for portions of southeast Minnesota.

Blue shading highlights the Winter Storm Watch for Satuday. See more details from the La Crosse NWS Office.

Here is NOAA's Environmental Prediction Center's probability of snowfall of greater than four inches.

The forecast map from the NAM for 6PM Saturday places the surface low pressure in a good spot for snow over southeast MInnesota. The pressure gradient is not strong, thus the winds should remain on the order of 10 to 15 mph.

In case you missed it, the temperature dropped to four degrees below zero last evening in Ely before recovering to near ten degrees this morning.

Statewide it looks to be a quiet day with seasonal temperatures. Traveling southeast on Saturday from the Twin Cities? Keep tuned for updated weather forecasts.
CE