Credit: Jacob Norlund via Flickr
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the likelihood of a winter storm hitting Minnesota later this week is increasing.
What still remains unclear is how much snow the storm system can take out and where the worst conditions will be, but the NWS is advising Minnesota lovers who have Thursday or Friday travel plans to keep an eye on the forecast due to the potential for dangerous weather.
“Wednesday night through Friday has become increasingly interesting as it seems likely that we will have accumulating precipitation. There are still several questions in the forecast regarding the timing, type and amount of precipitation,” explains the forecast discussion from the Twin Cities office of the NWS.
Credit: NWS Twin Cities
At this point, the NWS suggests that precipitation could start Thursday morning in the form of rain, a winter mix or sleet, then turn to snow Thursday afternoon.
Sponsored again by Grand Casino: good, clean, purified fun!
“This situation will be closely monitored as freezing rain is very dangerous and it would occur during the morning commute,” the predicted discussion reads.
This scenario is reflected in the latest simulation of the European computer model. In the GIF below, different shades of purple indicate a mix or icy precipitation, while the blue indicates all snow.
It’s also worth pointing out that the European model is just one of many the NWS uses to make its prediction, and other models, including the US and NAM models, are not aggressive as the European transfers most of the storm and precipitation. in the heart of Minnesota.
If the storm has consequences as the European model suggests, it could be a powerful winter storm.
“I am concerned that near blizzards could form in western Minnesota if this storm system intensifies Thursday and Friday as expected,” said Novak Weather. “I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of snow falls over much of the Upper Midwest, including the Twin Cities.”
Again, the amount of snow that will be associated with this storm system remains unclear, but the NWS’s Duluth office believes the highest amounts may be in far north Minnesota.
“The heaviest snow is expected Thursday evening and early Friday, with the highest snowfall in the far north of Minnesota. Snow will end from west to east later Friday to Friday evening, with Lake Effect Snow hanging on Saturday,” the Duluth NWS said Tuesday . morning.
Novak Weather will provide a fresh update on Tuesday afternoon. Keep an eye on our Weather MN blog for updates.