Freezing Precipitation Followed By Snow On Tap For This Weekend

Much of Minnesota will see freezing precipitation on Saturday transitioning to snow later in the day. A glaze of ice will coat untreated surfaces making roads and sidewalks slick.

“It’s going to be a wintry weekend in Minnesota but not in the way that you might think of a big winter storm,” says climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld.

Less than 3 inches of snow will fall in most parts of the state but the Arrowhead could see up to half a foot in some locations.

While January will end on a snowy note, the month stands out for the lack of below zero temperatures.

“Most years, we will see a low temperature of zero or lower in the Twin Cities several times during January and a couple dozen times during the entire winter,” says Blumenfeld. “We’re behind on both counts right now.”

Blumenfeld notes that the Twin Cities have failed to reach a zero or below reading in January on only two other occasions: in 1990 and 2006.

While this weekend’s wintry mix will not be memorable, a more potent storm system could impact the region around midweek this coming week.

Blumenfeld says it’s too early to know what to expect but strong winds and excessive snowfall are possible and the system “is definitely worth keeping an eye on.”