Heavy Snow to Parts of the Midwest Tonight

A strengthening band of baroclinicity across the region will bring the potential for very heavy and possible convective snow at times. The snow has already erupted this afternoon in Minnesota and is poised to develop further in areas near the MN/IA.WI corner. It appears that a wide area of 3-6" will be likely by Monday morning, but withing the swath areas will see amounts near 8" where the bands of heavier snow set up over. Winter weather advisories and warnings have been posted.

Typical March Weather through Next Week

After a week of well above normal temperatures and 2 weeks of well below normal temperatures prior, we are now heading into an average March pattern. The jet stream is currently running directly from west to east, and will hold its own over the next week. This feature usually brings near average weather to the Midwest, and this March will be no exception. The attached image is the temperatures compared to normal over the next 1 to 5 days off the CFS model. The next five days look very similar, before cooler weather works in late next week. As for precipitation, the Midwest looks to stay very dry, with minimal threat for large rain or snow events in the foreseeable future.

Winter Storm to Bring Snow and More Cold

Yet another winter storm will impact the Midwest. This time around areas further to the north will get in on the action. A storm will develop on Monday over eastern Colorado and track east, northeast Monday night. Southerly winds ahead of the system will usher in warm and moist air along the Mississippi River. The moisture will wrap around the center of the storm Tuesday and drop several inches in the cold sector of the system by Wednesday morning. Our forecasted snow totals are mapped out for you. A general 2-5" of snow can be expected from northern Iowa to Canada. Areas further south will be limited in snow totals, as a warmer layer above the surface will change much of the snow to sleet, freezing rain and just plain old rain. Thunderstorms and even some severe weather is possible points further south. No matter where you are, cold air will once again filter in behind the system as Wednesday and Thursday get closer. Things look to warm up significantly Friday and Saturday, before a possible pattern change next week that could bring above normal temperatures to the Midwest. A welcomed sight for many!