Dakota Storm Center: Wednesday's Weather Blog

Overview

There is a strong low pressure system over the Great Lakes Region that is moving into the NE U.S. A cold front is stretched south along the Atlantic coastline and into the NE Gulf of Mexico. Closer to home, a weak low pressure system is located just north of the Dakotas with a cold front stretched west.

Discussion

A low pressure system is over the NE corner of North Dakota. This system will move South & East (into the upper Midwest) tonight. We will continue to see scattered snow through Central & Eastern North Dakota as the low pressure system and cold front moves through our area. The western side of our state may see a few flurries. Most of the light snow showers will begin to move out of that area, later tonight. Those who see snow tonight can expect less than 1". In the wake of this passing system, a weak cold front will keep tomorrow's temps close to what we saw today (upper 20s and lower to mid 30s). Thursday night & Friday, our next warm front & weak low will move through the Dakotas. This system will bring light accumulations (< 2") to most of the area. In the wake of this next system, expect much warmer air moving into the region. Some of the long range model guidance continues to warm temps into the lower 50s briefly by Saturday. At this point I'm not going that warm. Nevertheless, mild temps are expected with daytime highs well above average for this time of the year (avg 4/25). By the end of this weekend, our next cold front will be moving through our region.

Through the rest of tonight & Thursday

Expect mostly cloudy skies with scattered snow moving through the state. Snow showers will be hit & miss with low accumulations expected. Road conditions may be hazardous around the greater Minot area. Temperatures will fall through the 20s and into the teens. Winds will begin to swing around to the NW as a weak cold front moves through. Tomorrow we will see a sun/cloud mix with more clouds and another round of snow chances, late. Winds will be light to moderate and variable and temperatures will be above average, again.

7day planner

Headlines include in & out clouds with a couple chances for scattered, light snow through the end of the week. Friday through the weekend, temperatures will be mild with highs in the 30s, 40s & possibly the 50s. Sunday & Monday, will bring our next cold front and a 3rd chance for snow. By the beginning of the work week, temps will be a little cooler again with more sunshine.

TONIGHT...Scattered snow ending late, followed by gradually clearing skies and cool temps. Lows on either side of 16-24. West/NW wind 5-15mph becoming light. Chills in the teens & single digits. 20% chance for snow.

THURSDAY...Mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies with increasing cover and a slight chance for snow, late. Highs 27-35. West/SE wind 2-12mph.

THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy skies with a chance for scattered snow as a warm front moves through the area. Lows 17-24. SE/South winds 2-10mph. 40% chance for snow. < 1" of new snow expected.

FRIDAY...Mostly cloudy skies with a chance for continued snow early followed by gradually clearing skies. Highs 33-40. South/NW wind 5-15mph. 30% chance for snow. < 1" of new snow expected.

FRIDAY NIGHT...Continued clearing skies and another round of cool temps. Lows 16-24. Light SW wind.