Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Shovelable snow possible Thursday; temps set to fall

Warmer temps expected Christmas week

Highs for Monday.
Highs for Monday
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Several systems are set to move across the Upper Midwest this week, providing multiple chances for snowfall just in time for the holiday. Temperatures begin with above-average highs then cool to more seasonable levels and drop again by the end of the week.

Monday snow sweeps northern Minnesota

System No. 1 is currently moving through northern Minnesota, bringing a quick 1 to 2 inches of snow before wrapping up by late Monday evening.

Snowfall for Monday
Snowfall for Monday
National Weather Service

Mild temperatures continue with highs in the upper 30s to near 40 degrees for the southern half of the state.

Highs for Monday.
Highs for Monday
NOAA

A second system will affect the southwestern and southern parts of the state on Tuesday, bringing a quick round of snow with accumulations ranging from 1 to 3 inches.

Forecast simulated radar Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening
Forecast simulated radar Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening
NOAA, via Tropical Tidbits
Snowfall potential through Tuesday
Snowfall potential through Tuesday
NOAA

Wednesday will bring a break between systems, featuring sunshine but chilly temperatures. Highs will be cold, with single digits in the north and only teens and low 20s expected in the southern half of the state.

Highs for Wednesday
Highs for Wednesday
NOAA

Thursday bring shovelable snow amounts

A powerful clipper system is poised to impact Minnesota late Wednesday night into Thursday. Portions of Minnesota could see a narrow band of 3 to 6 inches of snow. Behind the system, colder Canadian air will move in, bringing a chill just in time for the weekend.

After a quiet start to winter, the metro area may finally get some snow in amounts that need to be shoveled.

A strong clipper system will emerge from the northern Rockies Wednesday night, rapidly moving toward the Dakotas and Minnesota. As the low shifts southeast, the northern edge of the system could bring a narrow band of heavier snow.

The uncertainty in the forecast three days out lies in the exact placement of this snow band. A slight shift in the system's track could significantly impact the snowfall totals for different areas.

Precipitation type/rate Wednesday night through Thursday night
Forecast precipitation type and rate Wednesday night through Thursday night
NOAA, via Pivotal Weather

Colder temperatures will settle in for the weekend, with highs dropping back to the single digits and teens.

Warmer temperatures are expected for the week of Christmas, with highs running at least 10 degrees above average.

8-14 day temperature outlook
8-14 day temperature outlook
NOAA Climate Prediction Center