Updraft: November 22, 2012 Archive

Old Man Winter arrives for Thanksgiving; accumulating snow likely northern Minnesota

Posted at 9:36 AM on November 22, 2012 by Craig Edwards
Filed under: Snow, Winter 2012-13

53 F overnight low temperature in the Twin Cities

23 F average minumum Minneapolis/St. Paul for November 22nd

27 F maximum temperature expected Friday in the Twin Cities

1-3 inches of snow Bemidji to Duluth tonight/Winter Weather Advisory

Up to six inches of snow in the BWCA

Shortly before daybreak a cold front was slicing through Minnesota. The leading edge of a dramatic temperature drop was from near Duluth to Redwood Falls. Winds were already turning to the northwest and are expected to become gusty later today.

Some light rain showers could develop along the cold front this morning. Minor amounts of precipitation are expected in central Minnesota. A Wind Advisory is in effect for parts of central and southwest Minnesota from this afternoon through Friday morning. Winds could gusts to 35 mph or more.

A combination of very brisk winds and tumbling temperatures should result in wind chill readings near zero in the Twin Cities for Friday morning.

Roadways will become treacherous this evening in northeast Minnesota. Falling and blowing snow is likely to slicken highways. Be particularly aware of poor travel later tonight in the Arrowhead.

I can't rule out a dusting of snow around the Twin Cities Metro early Friday morning. We all know what a conundrum a skiff of snow can make on the roadways.

Friday's expected maximum temperature of 27 degrees in the Twin Cities is likely to occur in the early afternoon. Winds will still be on the order of 15 to 25 mph.

Winds drop to nearly calm on Saturday morning when we will experience some of the coldest readings of the season. Lighter winds on Saturday afternoon should make the sensible temperature a tad more comfortable. The normal maximum temperatures this time of year are in the upper 20s north to the upper 30s south.

Two big weather stories total: 1) falling temperatures combined with gusty winds, 2) accumulating and blowing snow in northern Minnesota later this afternoon and tonight.

Dress accordingly and travel safely.

Craig Edwards