Milder temperatures by midweek, then wintry again
Snow whitened lawns and streets across central and southern Minnesota Sunday and overnight.
About an inch of snow fell in the Twin Cities. Heavier amounts fell southwest of the metro area including about 3 inches in Mankato and Winthrop, 5 inches in Granite Falls and 6 inches around Madison. It has been sticking to the trees and is quite a pretty sight this morning.
High temperatures in the 30s today, along with a few breaks in the clouds this afternoon, should melt the lighter snowfalls. Greater amounts might require shoveling.
The Twin Cities should have a high temperature of about 38 this afternoon, well below the normal high of 55 for April 9.
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By my count, today will be our 12th consecutive cold day. A few crocuses and tulips broke through the mulch in our southside garden more than a week ago but have not grown a single millimeter since then.
Rain and snow developing on Wednesday?
It looks like a little rain might be coming our way later on Wednesday and into Wednesday night. A mix of rain and snow could fall across northern Minnesota.
Milder temperatures on their way
High temperatures are likely to rise into the low 50s across southern sections of the state by Thursday, which is very likely to be the best day of the week.
So, you say you want yet another April storm?
A powerful low pressure center with abundant moisture will spin up out of Colorado on Thursday. Rain and snow will impact our state from late Thursday well into the weekend.
While the details are highly uncertain so far in advance, forecast models are rather consistent in bringing rain into southern Minnesota Thursday night.
Rain should continue across about the southern half of the state on Friday while snow falls to the north.
Eventually, cold air from the north will change all the precipitation over to snow from north to south by late Saturday or early Sunday as the low pressure center finally heads off to the east.
How much snow will fall this time?
That is a difficult question to answer with these April storms that begin as rain. That being said, this storm will be a slow mover with plenty of moisture. At this early date, I would forecast that plowable snow will be likely to fall across at least parts of Minnesota. The best bet for at least half a foot of snow might be across central Minnesota a bit north of the Twin Cities area, but don't take that outlook to the bank just yet.
Another concern from this storm system is that thunderstorms and persistent might cause flooding in the valleys of southeastern Minnesota.
Another cold Sunday?
Northerly winds on the backside of this next storm could easily bring us another very cold Sunday next weekend.
