Residents in and around Minneapolis are bracing for a mix of extreme weather conditions as a band of heavy snow, along with possible sleet and freezing rain, is set to move across the region. According to the National Weather Service, the forecast for Minneapolis predicts "Rain, possibly mixed with snow" for today, with snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. As the temperature drops tonight, the rain and snow combination is expected to become all rain after 3 a.m.
The outlook, does not improve as we head into Wednesday, with further predictions for rain and even potential thunderstorms before the afternoon, followed by a chance of showers and possibly more thunderstorms between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and then another chance of rain after 3 p.m., with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Thursday's forecast is a partial respite with partly sunny skies and a high near 46, while Friday will see partly sunny conditions with temperatures climbing to around 53.
Additionally, the National Weather Service's Hazardous Weather Outlook serves as a warning for central Minnesota, east central Minnesota, west central Minnesota, northwest Wisconsin, and west central Wisconsin, highlighting the possibility of heavy snow that "will continue through much of the night across central Minnesota." The highest snow totals, which could range from 5 to 7 inches, are anticipated over central Minnesota.
Snow is expected to linger into Wednesday morning across central Minnesota; this outlook cautions residents and advises them to stay updated. "SKYWARN spotters are encouraged to report any snowfall amounts they observe," the advisory noted, anticipating community involvement in weather reporting. While the hazardous weather poses a challenge for the start of April, the temperatures are predicted to remain above freezing for the lows, potentially mitigating some of the impact of snow accumulations and icy conditions on the roads.
