The View from Mid-December

Snow has been relatively scarce this winter season. As we move into mid-December, there were inklings of a storm late next week. If that doesn't develop, prepare for a metropolis to go frantic in search of a white Christmas.

Snowstorm Next Weekend?

The NWS discussion alerts to the possibility of snow potential next week. Rather than put words in their mouth, we'll let their words speak for themselves:

Model consistency is still rather poor for next weekend`s storm potential. However, the pattern remains favorable for a trough translating across the northern Rockies, spawning an elongated
area of low pressure over the Plains as strong surface ridging remains on the east coast. Meridional flow in advance of the shallow trough would bring increasing moisture and lift, generating widespread precipitation along the leading edge of the trough. This would be more of an inverted trough snow with a nebulous low pressure center and moderate accumulations, unless the surface cyclone deepens and becomes negatively tilted. If that occurs, a focused area of heavier snow would form on the northern side of the cyclone with significant accumulations. It`s a sensitive pattern with a lot of subtle features coming together which is not as easily predicted as a classic long wave deep trough spawning a single significant cyclone over the southern Plains. Thus, model inconsistency will likely continue for the next day or two with the storm disappearing and reappearing in various models/model runs.

Thoughts on Winter?

It's on the early side for wholesale predictions to come out on the upcoming winter, but it's never too early to start thinking about it (this being Minnesota, after all). What are your bones telling you about the winter of 17-18? Do you have any thoughts to share?

Farewell Snow, Hello Heat and Severe Storms?

Winter is now a distant memory and summer seems poised to make its presence felt. The hot weather is here -- at least for a day -- and Sunday storms may make headlines. Discuss as you wish.

March Onward

Looking ahead to March... will there be any interesting weather in store?

Will Record Warmth Evolve Into Snowy Pattern?

As record or near record warmth pervaded all of the Upper Midwest, winter lovers searched for white at the end of the tunnel. Models suggest snow is a possibility looking way out -- toward the end of next week. Will there finally be something to talk about?

Editor's Note: The Minnesota Forecaster founder is growing tired of some of the Anonymous (and other) comments that amount to whining at best, personal attacks at worst. As loyal followers of the blog know, we value thoughts about the weather and weather patterns. This time around, I'm not going to hesitate to delete comments that don't conform to the civility and respect I expect on this blog. Now leaving the soapbox.

Snow lovers have become increasingly disenchanted as 2016-17 becomes a winter of discontent. As we enter February, historically the lowest snow-producing winter month, there was at least something to follow for next week.

Some Late January Snow in the Works?

After an unusual and extended January thaw, there were signs that more typical January weather was on the way. Snow appears to be in the offing for Tuesday with slightly more seasonable cold following later in the week.

The Curious Case of a Martin Luther King Day Winter Event

The forecast for MLK Day seems clear as mud with snow and freezing rain prominent possibilities.

Mid-January Snow... Will it Amount to Much?

As winter heads into the heart of January, big snows remain elusive for the Twin Cities. What will January bring?