Upcoming Winter Storm to Bring Heavy Snow and Rain to Minnesota

A major winter storm is forecasted for Minnesota from Tuesday to Wednesday, potentially bringing heavy snowfall and rain to central Minnesota. Winter storm watches are in effect, with significant snow accumulation expected in various areas. Warmer temperatures are likely to create precipitation shifts from snow to rain, which will aid in alleviating drought conditions.

A winter storm is projected to hit Minnesota from Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing substantial snowfall and rain. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches, which are likely to be escalated to warnings for areas north and west of the Twin Cities. Heavy snow is expected in portions of central Minnesota, with significant snowfall starting from Tuesday afternoon through the night.

Snowfall during this system is expected to have a slushy consistency, with ratios predicted to be below 10 to 1. A warm air influx may also produce a mix of rain and snow, with rainfall anticipated south of the primary snow band. Conditions are expected to improve by Wednesday afternoon as the weather system moves towards the Great Lakes region.

Central Minnesota is predicted to receive at least six inches of snow, with some areas potentially accumulating over ten inches. Ice accumulation should remain minimal, typically just a light glaze. On the brighter side, this precipitation may help alleviate the remnants of drought in various areas of Minnesota.

The incoming storm will take the form of a Colorado low influencing the weather from Tuesday morning until Wednesday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration anticipates that heavy snow will initially affect southwestern Minnesota, spreading towards the Twin Cities by Tuesday afternoon. Rain is expected to follow as temperatures rise above freezing, resulting in a transition from snow to rain.

While the Twin Cities may see a couple of inches of snow, this will likely be washed away due to the expected rain. In contrast, a broader region, including areas like Bemidji and the Iron Range, is set to experience heavier, wet snow accumulation of five to over ten inches. The precipitation from this system is crucial for replenishing Minnesota’s soils, rivers, and lakes, effectively aiding in drought relief as spring progresses.

The upcoming winter storm set to impact Minnesota will bring a mix of heavy snow and rainfall from Tuesday to Wednesday. Significant snowfall is expected across many areas, particularly in central Minnesota, while warmer temperatures may convert snow to rain particularly in the Twin Cities. This storm represents both a challenge with its wintery conditions and an opportunity to alleviate lingering drought conditions in the region.

Original Source: www.mprnews.org