First snow! Cold hangs on into next week

After our first measurable snowfall of the season, high temperatures Friday stay mostly in the 40s. Scattered snow showers turn into rain showers in the afternoon. Saturday will be a bit warmer with highs in the 50s and 40s south to north and some breaks in the clouds.

First snowfall in the books

We got the first measurable snowfall of the 2022-23 season out of the way and it came a little earlier than normal for most. In the Twin Cities, this is only the third time since the year 2000 we’ve had a measurable snowfall this early or earlier.

first snows — Dates of first measurable snowfalls (at least .1 inch) since 2000 in the Twin Cities
National Weather Service

Since 2000, the average first date of a measurable snowfall (at least one-tenth of an inch) is about Nov. 6. For Duluth and International Falls up north it’s about Oct. 22, so even there these snow totals are a bit early.

snow totals 9am — Snowfall totals around the region early Friday
National Weather Service

Cold hangs on for a while

We’ll only see high temperatures in the 40s Friday with a northwest breeze at 10-15 mph making it feel like it’s in the 30s.

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Saturday will be a bit warmer with highs in the 50s in southern Minnesota and 40s north. The bump up in temperatures will be aided by breaks in the clouds. We should see at least a mix of clouds and sun.

The overall pattern is chilly through the middle of next week, though, as this cold, upper level low continues to spin in the area.

500 heights — The forecast upper-level pattern shows a persistent cold low over the region in place through late next week.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, via Pivotal Weather

We see an even colder shot of air Monday and Tuesday. Highs will be in just the low 40s and 30s Monday.

mon highs 8am — Forecast high temperatures Monday
NOAA, via Pivotal Weather

That will lead to a very cold Monday night with lows in the 20s and even teens in northern Minnesota.

tue lows 8am — Forecast low temperatures Monday night into early Tuesday
NOAA, via Pivotal Weather

The low finally moves east next week allowing anomalous warmth to move in. We should see highs in the 60s and some models still hint at 70 degree temperatures next weekend (Oct. 22-23).