Different day, same weather story
The last several days have been Minnesota's version of the movie "Groundhog Day." Expect the weather today to be very similar to what we experienced on Wednesday.
Each season has its unique, relished qualities, and there is a time for every season. But the meteorological winter is still a couple weeks away -- let alone the astronomical winter that starts on Dec. 21.
Winter Hazard Awareness Week in Minnesota was about a week late.
I thought we might as well present the wind chill chart this morning and get used to hearing about the bite in the air, or the apparent temperature.
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Back in 2001 when I was surprised to learn that the National Weather Service had decided to make changes to the wind chill index, delivering less extreme numbers based on "more recent" research.
Here's the chart we used for much of my career with the NWS. That's when we shivered with the announcement of wind chills in the 60 below range. And we walked up hill to school in two foot snow drifts.
You can read more on the Wind Chill Index at this National Weather Service web link.
Wind chill values around midday are expected to be close to zero in western Minnesota and the Dakotas.
Since temperatures have remained below freezing for several days you have likely noticed ice beginning to form on the smaller lakes, ponds and streams. It's a good time to share the information on ice safety provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
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Skies may be brighter Friday, as temperatures remain well below the seasonal norms. Sunshine would be a welcome sight to close out the work week.
Computer models are forecasting light snow to move through the central plains and into southern Minnesota Saturday.
The best chance for a couple of inches of fluffy accumulation is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, through Worthington and Austin in Minnesota, to La Crosse, Wisconsin.
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The Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses a broad brush to paint the potential for an inch of snow Saturday.
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Cold air has gripped a large portion of the northern U.S., so we have solidarity in the chilly weather. Expected high temperatures on Sunday:
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