What we know about next week's snow

A strong low-pressure system will impact the Central Plains next week, bringing multiple waves of precipitation and strong winds. Temperatures will cool to seasonal averages as the system moves through.

Rain or snow? What we know…

There is higher confidence in the forecast for the initial phase of the system, with rain showers expected from Monday afternoon into early Tuesday morning.

A dynamic shortwave (wrinkle in our atmosphere) will travel north-northeast from the Baja Peninsula area early next week. A strong surface low is forecast to develop ahead of the shortwave. Timing suggests the precipitation shield will reach southern Minnesota by Monday afternoon or early evening.

The system will begin as rain, but as cooler Canadian air moves in, a transition to snow is expected as it exits. This is the second phase of the system, which has lower confidence in placement, and intensity.

At this time (though the forecast is still several days out), it appears northern Minnesota will see some snow by the time the system wraps up late next week. Below is a graphic showing several forecast models:

Cooler temperatures end the week

Our temperatures will play a huge part in determining what kind of precipitation we will see with this system. Temperatures will remain warm early in the week, with highs expected in the upper 40s to low 50s. However, as the system begins to depart, cooler Canadian air will move in, bringing temperatures down to seasonal averages in the low 40s, and eventually cooling to below average in the upper 30s.

Either way you look at it, we’re in for some much-needed rainfall, and a return to seasonal temperatures.

Stay updated on the forecast by checking our Updraft blog for more details!