Searching for snow? Head north
It's the time of year when Minnesotans want to get out and play in the snow.
But, there's a bit of a snow drought developing in the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota. Drive south and west of the Twin Cities? You encounter a brown December landscape. Looking for snow to play in? Go north young man.
Edge of winter
Southern Minnesota has been riding the edge of winter this season. The latest snow cover map and surface reports show 6" to 12"+ across parts of northern Minnesota. The Arrowhead regions sports the deepest snow cover right now.
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Fresh snow up north
Today's Clipper managed just 0.3" of fluff in the Twin Cities. But the system delivered 3" to 6" of fresh snow in the wintry landscape from Duluth to Grand Marais along the North Shore.
Snow drought south
The storm track so far this winter season has favored northern Minnesota. Snowfall is near or above seasonal normal in from International Falls through Ely to Duluth and the North Shore communities. But the Twin Cities has picked up just 4.3 inches of snow so far this snowfall season. That's about 10 inches below average.
The overall upper air pattern looks stuck in northwest flow for the next two weeks. That may mean a few more minor Clipper ahead. But right now I don't see any major snowstorms for Minnesota in the next 10 days.
Milder weekend
Today's brisk winds give way to moderating temperature in the next few days. Monday looks like the warmest day in sight.
Temperatures still look likely to nosedive as we get closer to Christmas.
Stay tuned.