An incoming cold front is expected to blast Minnesota with a “melting pot of hazards” as soon as Thursday evening, including high winds and plummeting temperatures followed by eventual snow showers headed into the weekend.
The National Weather Service predicts wind gusts of up to 55 mph in central and southern Minnesota Thursday as well as subzero temperatures and snow showers that will create whiteouts in some cities. The Twin Cities will likely see an inch of snow by Friday, while in northwestern Minnesota, cities like Fergus Falls in western Minnesota could see up to 2 inches of snow.
The weather system promises less snow than last week’s dump, but NWS meteorologist Ryan Dunleavy worries that the snow, high winds, and low temperatures will make commuters’ evening drive more dangerous.
“The evening commute, the timing, you have the winds, the potential for some blowing snow, and the rapidly falling temperatures. It’s going to make that evening drive a little tricky,” Dunleavy said, adding that the conditions will reduce visibility and freeze some roads. “It’s like a melting pot of hazards all at once.”
The NWS forecast follows weeks of rollercoaster weather in Minnesota, including windchills of 35 below on Dec. 13. Much of that snow and ice melted as temperatures rose the following week.
Next week’s forecast predicts a similar trend, with temperatures reaching the 30s by Sunday or Monday and averaging above freezing by Christmas Eve.
The sharp change in temperatures could bring another low-pressure cold front, but Dunleavy said much of that depends on how cold air moves from the northwest next week.
“Allow for extra time, or if you have that opportunity to work from home or leave a little early,” Dunleavy advised drivers on Thursday. “Take that into consideration just to make sure you get home safely.”
