Forecast First Alert: snow, blowing and drifting snow, and dangerous wind chills

Here’s your Friday evening forecast for January 12, 2024 from Minnesota’s Weather Authority and Meteorologist Wren Clair.

FORECAST FIRST ALERT DAYS continue Tonight, Saturday, and Sunday across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Snow and blowing snow are likely Tonight and Saturday, followed by dangerously cold wind chills tonight through Tuesday

The morning snow fell apart across the Twin Cities metro. Cold, dry air only let a few light snow showers fall across the south and southeast metro. This is one reason why forecast snow totals have dropped a little. Snow is still on the way, beginning Friday afternoon, and continuing through Saturday. This will be a long, light snow in the Twin Cities. Gradually, the north and west metro through central Minnesota will get 1 to 3 inches of snow. The south and east metro—near I-35 and I-94, respectively—will get 3 to 5 inches of snow.

Strong winds will lead to blowing and drifting snow especially across southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Strong northerly winds could lead to whiteout conditions on the roadways tomorrow, especially across southwestern Minnesota where a Blizzard Warning is in place overnight through Saturday night.

A Wind Chill Advisory is place across western Minnesota tonight through tomorrow evening with wind chills down to -35°. A Wind Chill Watch is in place across western Minnesota through Tuesday.

Tomorrow through Monday wind chills are down to 15° to 30° in the Twin Cities. Please be safe in the cold, and limit your pet’s time outdoors too.

Wren