Twin Cities Snow Bowl XLIV Winding Down

The good, the bad and the ugly... The good news is that we freshened up that snow pack out there. The fluffy snow will be great for any outdoor activities that you have planned this week that involves snow f- skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, snow angels, etc. (let me know if you have any other activities that begin with the letter "S") - get out there and enjoy it before it's gone, we all know the weather can change rapidly around here. The bad news is that our commute will likely be slow and white-knuckleish for one more day. The afternoon drive will be much better than the slippery drive in to work or school. Hang in there, it'll be much better tomorrow. The ugly side to most every winter storm is the bitter blast after the fact, that too will come to reality, but we're not expecting readings like what we had back in early January - WHEW! It'll be cold, but not terribly cold. Attention getting? Yes. By Wednesday and Thursday morning, you'll have no doubt that it's still winter. Here, take a look at the statewide low temperatures over the next couple of days - BRR!


Low Temps on Wednesday:


Low Temps on Thursday


Fresh Snow Aids Cooling Conditions
Take a look a the images below, they explain why it tends to be so much colder after a newly laid snow pack. Not only is it just plain old cold, but "Albedo" has a big impact the surface temperatures by reflecting sunlight back to space. Fresh snow is one of the highest natural reflecting surfaces causing temperatures to much colder than they otherwise would be.

You may have to study this graphic a little to understand it:

Here's a table that might help out:


Here's proof of the fresh snow - take a look at SOME of the snowfall reports across the state, which are still coming in:

...UPDATED STORM TOTAL SNOWFALLS SO FAR...

THE TOTALS BELOW ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE FINAL AMOUNT FOR EACH
LOCATION.

SNOW REPORTS LISTED BY AMOUNT

INCHES  LOCATION                 ST  COUNTY           TIME
------  -----------------------  --  --------------   -------
11.00   GLENWOOD                 MN  POPE             0515 PM
9.50   KIMBALL                  MN  STEARNS          0410 PM
              5.5 INCHES HAVE FALLEN SINCE 7 AM THIS
              MORNING.
9.00   3 SSW BURNSVILLE         MN  DAKOTA           0515 PM
              STORM TOTAL THUS FAR.
8.00   NEW MARKET               MN  SCOTT            0235 PM
              STORM TOTAL. 3.5 INCHES HAVE FALLEN TODAY.
7.80   LAKEVILLE                MN  DAKOTA           0410 PM
7.40   ROCKFORD                 MN  HENNEPIN         0525 PM
              SO FAR
7.30   SW WASECA                MN  WASECA           0440 PM
              STORM TOTAL SINCE SUNDAY MORNING
7.00   WATERVILLE               MN  LE SUEUR         0356 PM
              SO FAR
6.80   1 ENE MINNESOTA LAKE     MN  FARIBAULT        0215 PM
              STORM TOTAL SO FAR. 4.5 INCHES HAVE FALLEN
              TODAY.
6.50   KIESTER                  MN  FARIBAULT        0346 PM
              SO FAR
6.30   NORTHFIELD               MN  RICE             0434 PM
6.00   CARVER                   MN  CARVER           0524 PM
              STORM TOTAL SO FAR. 3.3 INCHES HAVE FALLEN
              SINCE 7 AM.
6.00   3 ENE SILVER CREEK       MN  WRIGHT           0440 PM
              STORM TOTAL SINCE SUNDAY MORNING.
6.00   WINTHROP                 MN  SIBLEY           0431 PM
6.00   PRIOR LAKE               MN  SCOTT            0137 PM
5.80   RAMSEY                   MN  ANOKA            0539 PM
5.50   WOODBURY                 MN  WASHINGTON       0500 PM
5.00   MANKATO                  MN  BLUE EARTH       0520 PM
              KEYC TV STATION. STORM TOTAL SO FAR.
4.50   LITCHFIELD               MN  MEEKER           0250 PM
              STORM TOTAL SINCE 1130 PM MON NIGHT
3.80   HASTINGS                 MN  DAKOTA           0516 PM
              STORM TOTAL SO FAR.
2.00   ANDOVER                  MN  ANOKA            0235 PM

Looking Ahead

Sunshine and colder temperatures will rule mid-week, a slight chance of light snow slides in on Friday and a faintly noticeable warming trend will follow into the somewhat sunnier weekend. Here's the specific extended forecast below.



Todd's Outlook for the Twin Cities

Tuesday: Scattered light snow showers gradually ending, light coating possible. High: 18

Tuesday Night: Becoming partly cloudy and cold. Low: 4

Wednesday: Partly cloudy and chilly. High: 17

Thursday: Mix of clouds and sun, quiet. High: 18

Friday: Partly sunny, slight chance of light snow. High 23

Saturday: Partly cloudy, minor set back in the temperature department. High 20

Sunday: Partly cloudy and warmer. High 23

Monday: Threat of a mostly blue sky. High 25