An ill-timed change in the weather is brewing, and it could impact the commute home tonight for drivers around northern Wright County.
For those planning trips to northwestern and northern Minnesota this week, the change could be even more drastic.
After enjoying temperatures in the 40s and even 50s this weekend, Wright County will see temperatures drop and precipitation move in this afternoon. That’s the result of a weather system moving across the northern part of Minnesota that’s created blizzard conditions in Fergus Falls and Moorhead today, Monday, Dec. 4.
Wind and rain will hit our area – with gusts up to 45 mph in the forecast. That could make things a bit “interesting” at the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony tonight in St. Michael – an event that’s been socked in by a blizzard before.
Temperatures will drop into the 20s by late afternoon and into the teens tonight. Tuesday’s forecasted high is just 19 degrees, a drop of nearly 40 degrees from Monday morning. The mercury may not rise above 30 degrees in the next 10 days, as winter settles in.
Snow may fall overnight tonight, and that could stick around if the temps hold over the weekend. However, no additional precipitation is forecast for the next week in STMA.
Here’s the rundown on tonight’s “Hazardous Weather,” as issued by the National Weather Service in Chanhassen:
A Wind Advisory in effect for portions of east central through southern Minnesota from late afternoon through tonight, where northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to between 45 and 50 mph are expected. Please see the latest Wind Advisory text on www.weather.gov/mpx or listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for the latest information. In addition, a brief period of snowfall could lead to limited visibilities tonight for a short period of time.
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM CST TUESDAY... * TIMING...Strong northwest winds will develop after 3 PM Monday and continue through midnight. * WINDS...Northwest wind 25 to 35 mph with gusts 45 to 50 mph possible. * IMPACTS...Travel may be difficult, especially if some light snow causes reduced visibilities and slick roads. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Wind Advisory means that wind gusts in excess of 45 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult... especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.