Winter Weather Expected This Weekend
Minnesotans are bracing themselves for change after a balmy November.
A winter storm watch is in effect for northeastern Minnesota, and that means snow could possibly also settle in the Twin Cities if the temperatures drop as predicted this weekend.
Meteorologist Mike Augustyniak says it appears parts of the metro area could get a few inches of snow, perhaps even up to 6 inches in areas.
Augustyniak said that there's a good deal of moisture coming up from out of the Gulf of Mexico to our south. Meanwhile, chill air is wrapping in from the northwest, which should make for some cold rain in parts of the region.
Later Friday, the Twin Cities may see some sleet and rain. But it should start turning into light snow overnight and into Saturday. Current models still show a clear line between the areas that get mostly rain over the next few days, which will be to the south and east, and the areas that will be getting mostly snow, Augustyniak said.
The storm should keep things interesting through most of Satuday, and the Twin Cities could see about 4 inches of snow, Augustyniak said.
By Sunday morning, the precipitation should abate somewhat. Weekend highs are expected to remain in the 30s.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminded motorists to use caution when driving this weekend, to stay alert when driving near snow plows and to always maintain an appropriate distance from the next car ahead.
Minnesotans Gear Up For 1st Winter Wave
In Highland Park, Pat Prokop already has all his Christmas decorations out in his front yard, a yearly tradition. He says he put them up on Monday when it was nearly 70 degrees.
He even has a light-up snowman. But don't be fooled, Prokop says he actually hates winter.
"I have lived my entire life in Minnesota, don't like winter," he said. "I wish I was in Florida or Arizona the only thing I like about winter is the hockey for the Wild."
His neighbor Diane Farley says she just can't get into the spirit quite yet, saying Prokop's nativity scene looks a little out of place this time of year.
"It just looks so funny, I think, with baby Jesus and the grass is green and leaves are falling instead of the snow falling," said Farley.
But the weather couldn't come soon enough for the die-hards at the St. Paul Curling Club, which holds the title as the largest curling club in the country. Dozens of leagues play nearly every night, and they say when snow falls, their season is just heating up.
"Forty-one degrees (inside the rink) and I am sweating pretty good," said Al Sonnarburg, who says he's from up north and loves Minnesota so much he doesn't even go south for the winter.
Curler Manny Comstock says curling is the best way to get out and survive winter. It's the measure of a true Minnesotan.
"I am a Minnesotan and I am ready for winter. We have to bear with it and enjoy it while we can, but this helps us get through it, that is for sure," said Comstock.
