Worst of Winter’s cold behind us; Clipper parade; Tracking a thaw next week
Updraft Preview:
In this edition of Updraft we postulate that the worst of winter cold is now likely behind us. Is -13F all this winter's got for MSP? We're tracking a Clipper Parade that brings us several bouts of light snow through Monday. And, there's hope for a thaw next week.
Winter's coldest? -13F at MSP Airport Friday morning was probably the coldest we'll see this winter
Clipper Parade: 2" to 5" snowfall totals possible by Tuesday with a series of 4 separate Alberta Clippers
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Tracking the thaw: 30s possible next week
-13F: Winter's coldest at MSP?
Congratulations.
You've probably just endured the coldest morning of the winter season in the Twin Cities.
-13F may not be like to "glory days" of the Arctic '70s in Minnesota, but it will get your attention...and test any weakness in your car's battery.
It's all uphill from here...as temps gradually recover into the teens this weekend.
I-94 Clipper Parade: "Champagne Powder" on the way
The jet stream is the river of air that steers storms, and it's finally setting up right over Minnesota.
Our "northwest flow" means a series of Clippers is on the way. I count 4 separate system that will race down I-94 and sail overhead through Monday night.
Here's the best "guesstiame" on timing & totals.
#1 Friday night: Quick hitter with a coating to up to 1"+ in some areas. Metro snow tapers by 9-10 pm.
#2) Saturday PM & Saturday night: Slightly stronger and may procuse a coating to as much as 1" to 2" depending on location.
Sunday night: 1" to 3"?
Monday PM & night: Strongest of the 4 systems. Has the potential to produce 1" to 3"+ in some areas.
In total, the 4 systems are capable of delivering snowfall totals of between 2" and 5"+ in a swath centered along the I-94 corridor from Fargo to The Twin Cities and beyond.
These will be relatively dry snows..."high quality snow flakes" with snow to water ratios in the 15:1 range or higher. Cross country skiers and snowmobilers may appreciate the new "Champagne Powder" that will fall from the cold air mass.
Enjoy the fresh looking winter landscape this weekend!
Tracking the thaw: 30s next week?
Milder Pacific breeze may blow in Minnesota next week.
Okay...maybe not that mild.
At this point 30s look likely for the metro and southern Minnesota by mid-week. The Euro has some "red numbers" for next week.
The GFS cranked out 40F for the metro next Friday. I don't know if we'll get quite that warm...but I won't be shocked to see 40F (above zero) somewhere in southern Minnesota next week.
Stay tuned!
PH