A shot at 50 degrees, potent messy storm arrives Friday
This has been an April to remember. Or to forget.
This April is the coldest on record so far through April 9. It's been an amazing 18 degrees colder than average, and 28 degrees colder than last April. Last April was the eighth-warmest on record in the Twin Cities.
Briefly milder
You may actually think it's spring out there at times during the next 48 hours. Temperatures climb into the 40s today, and 50 degrees is likely across southern Minnesota Thursday afternoon. Temperatures head south once again this weekend.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Thundershowers?
Low pressure moving into Iowa triggers a wave of showers in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night. There may be enough instability to produce heavy downpours and a few claps of thunder in southern Minnesota. The most likely window for rain in the Twin Cities is between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Here's the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's High-Resolution Rapid Refresh model.
Potent wintry storm winds up Friday
All forecast models agree on our next major wintry spring storm Friday into Saturday. Forecast questions still remain on timing of rain to snow changeover for southern Minnesota, and thus precipitation type and snowfall accumulations.
Here's a brief take on key storm timing and impacts.
Potent low stalls near Omaha, Neb., Friday into Saturday.
Rain and thunder develop early Friday morning across southern Minnesota.
Snow develops, likely north and west of the Twin Cities.
Rain changes to snow Friday night.
Sleet and ice accumulations are possible Friday night into Saturday.
Heavy snow is likely to develop from north to south Friday night and Saturday.
There could be a band of 6 inches to 12 inches or more by Saturday afternoon.
Here'a a look at the big picture from the Twin Cities National Weather Service.
Model forecasts will likely change before Friday. But the Canadian GEM model seems to do a reasonable job of depicting the possible evolution of this system at this point in time.
The storm is working its way into the Pacific Northwest. Once it gets inside the upper air balloon network over the United States, we should get a better read on the timing for rain to snow and ice potential. One or 2 degrees is going to make a world of difference in outcome for any given community.
Stay tuned.