StormTrack 3: Front Passing Friday, Accumulating Snow Saturday
The first snowfall of the season is expected Saturday, potentially affecting travel.
Friday Weather Update
A cold front will move through SE Minnesota and North Iowa on Friday, setting the stage for wintry conditions on Saturday. Temperatures will reach mid to upper 40s around noon in SE Minnesota, then drop to the low 40s by evening. North Iowa will warm slightly more, with highs in the mid 50s.
Saturday Forecast
Temperatures will plunge to the low 30s by Saturday morning, with snow approaching the I-35 corridor. Initially, the precipitation will be all snow due to sub-freezing temperatures that last through late morning.
As the day warms above freezing, the snowfall will mix with rain before switching back to snow Saturday night when temperatures drop below freezing again. Snow accumulation is expected as follows:
- 1-2 inches along and south of Highway 18
- A trace to 1 inch along and north of Highway 18
Considerable melting will occur throughout Saturday.
Saturday Night and Sunday Conditions
"A flash freeze is expected as temperatures fall to around 20° Saturday night. Any liquid on the roads will freeze, creating a layer of black ice for Sunday morning travel."
Temperatures will likely remain below freezing all day Sunday, keeping untreated roads hazardous.
Author's summary: The approaching cold front will bring the season's first snow with mixed precipitation Saturday, followed by dangerous black ice Sunday morning, impacting travel safety.