Winter's Return: Storm Watch Issued, 6-12 Inches Expected
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Following days of spring-like warmth, Minnesotans might soon be reminded that it's still February.
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch Tuesday afternoon for several counties in southern Minnesota -- including the Twin Cities metro -- as a system looks to hit the state Thursday night, dumping up to a foot of snow in some areas.
Weather officials say it could be the strongest storm of the season for the Upper Midwest.
Winter Storm Watch now in effect for Fri (blue). 6-12+ inches expected. More updates forthcoming. #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/yJDW8PL62W
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) February 21, 2017
In Minnesota, snow totals of 6 to 12+ inches are likely to accumulate in a line stretching from Mankato in the south to the Twin Cities in the southeast. The storm could also track further north as it approaches.
Gusts of up to 40 mph will accompany the snow, officials say. This will create blizzard conditions in open areas and make travel hazardous before the storm tappers off Friday afternoon.
With the storm will come more wintry temperatures. Highs for the weekend look to be in the low 30s. The average high for late February is around 33 degrees.
The wintry blast is slated to mark a sharp end to a record-shattering stretch of warm weather, which brought spring-like temperatures to Minnesota for several days.
Its 60 degrees at MSP right now, and in 60 hours it will be snowing. Gotta love #mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/skZ3XHAfND
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) February 21, 2017
On Tuesday, the Twin Cities topped an 87-year-old temperature record as the mercury climbed to 62 degrees -- nearly 30 degrees above average.
Of the last five days, four brought record temperatures to the metro. Record highs were smashed every day over the weekend, and Monday's high was just two degrees short of reaching record status.
And it's not quite over yet, as Wednesday could also bring record warmth. Highs are expected to again reach the upper 50s, and the temperature to beat is 57 degrees.
Looking ahead, however, the situation looks more typical of late February. The forecast through Tuesday doesn't look to have highs warmer than the mid-30s.
