Updraft: December 27, 2012 Archive

Steady snowfall will add up to a couple inches

Posted at 3:49 PM on December 27, 2012 by Craig Edwards
Filed under: Snow, Winter 2012-13

It may not look like much on the weather map, but there is enough energy overhead to excite the clouds into producing a lovely snowfall. After dark, though, it may not be lovely on the highways.

Snow began falling in southwest Minnesota this morning and by mid-afternoon had accumulated a couple of inches. A Winter Weather Advisory for a snowfall of up to four inches is in effect for south central Minnesota through tonight.

The purple shaded areas included in the Winter Weather Advisory could see four inches of snow from late this afternoon through tonight. Source:NWS

The RAP model suggests that water equivalent will be on the order of a quarter inch in some spots in southern Minnesota. Taking into account the cold temperatures when computing the water to snow ratio, a quarter inch of moisture should translate to about four inches of snow.

RAP model liquid precipitation from around 1 p.m. CST today through 6 a.m. CST on Friday. Source:NOAA/College of Dupage

Snowfall in the favored regions of Bayfield County, Wis., may also reach four inches later tonight.

Fresh snowfall, crisp temperatures and rather light winds should make for ideal outdoor winter recreation on the weekend. You'll find the deeper snow in central Wisconsin if you desire a thrilling spin on the snowmobile.

Maximum Temperatures for Sunday.

Radar captured the snow expanding in coverage over Minnesota this afternoon.

Snapshot of radar valid at 4 p.m. CST. Source:Weather Underground

Accounting for the long duration of a steady snowfall, we can expect one to three inches of snow in the Twin Cities metro area by daybreak on Friday.

Craig Edwards