Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

20s, 30s return to southern Minnesota later this week

Chance for light snow Thursday into Friday

Normal maximum temperature for January
Normal maximum temperature for January
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

A shift in our weather pattern will bring warmer temperatures by the end of the week. This will also set the stage for more clipper systems to move through, increasing the likelihood of snowfall returning.

Show chances, rising temps

There's no denying that January has started off cold and dry. However, a shift in our upper-air pattern will bring the chance of snow back into the forecast.

A clipper system will move through Thursday into Friday, potentially delivering a fresh coat of snow. The challenge, however, lies in the availability of moisture and whether the snowflakes can form and make it to the ground.

Qualitative precipitation forecast for Thursday through Friday
Qualitative precipitation forecast for Thursday through Friday
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, via Pivotal Weather

As you can see from the above graphic, there is a small amount of moisture available for the clipper system.

Ahead of the clipper, southerly winds will develop on Wednesday, bringing a return of 20s and 30s to the forecast.

Southerly winds develop Wednesday into Thursday
Southerly winds develop Wednesday into Thursday
NOAA, via Tropical Tidbits
Temperatures Thursday and Friday
Temperatures Thursday and Friday
NOAA, via Tropical Tidbits

With this change in the weather pattern, we’re hopeful that more clipper systems will bring a fresh coat of powder for us to enjoy!

Coldest time of the year

Climatologically speaking, we are approaching the two coldest weeks of the year, which usually occur in the coming weeks. In the Twin Cities, the average high will be 23 degrees with lows around 8 degrees. During this period, sunset will also be after 5 p.m.

Normal maximum temperature for January
Normal maximum temperature for January
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources