Patchy light snow likely across central Minnesota with minor accumulations

The out-of-season Christmas rainstorm has weakened and is finally preparing to exit the area. All winter weather warnings and advisories have expired.

What we will be left with for Wednesday is one last little puff of energy to spread a light coating of wet snow from northeastern Minnesota southwestward through central Minnesota and then some west-central and southwestern counties. Northern parts of the Twin Cities area might get brushed with light snow by late morning. Slushy accumulations are likely to be less than 1 inch.

Areas north and south of that band will have a chance of flurries and sprinkles.

Temperatures remain mild

The record warmth is gone, but the lack of cold Canadian air means that temperatures will remain warmer than average. Wednesday’s highs will be in the 30s statewide. The Twin Cities should see about 36 degrees with a light breeze.

Quiet weather the rest of the week

Thursday should be a quiet weather day other than the chance of a little snow and maybe rain in the southeastern corner of Minnesota around Winona, Houston and Caledonia. Look for welcome sunshine on Friday. High temperatures will be in the 30s statewide and in western Wisconsin both days.

Weak cold front Saturday

Temperatures will turn cooler over the weekend. Highs on Saturday seem likely to be from the low 20s northwest to mid 30s south. After the front passes, Sunday will be the chilliest upcoming day with highs from the upper teens northwest to 20s for the rest of the state. The Twin Cities might see a high around 29, which is still a few degrees warmer than normal.

Milder for New Year’s Day

Temperatures are forecast to recover a bit on Monday, New Year’s Day.

Mild January?

The outlook for the month of January calls for the likelihood of warmer-than-normal temperatures to continue across Minnesota and Wisconsin, especially northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.