March is proving to be anything but predictable across Minnesota as yet another storm system is set to sweep through the area this week. Following the onslaught of snowstorms earlier this month, including one from March 4-5 and another blizzard on March 13-14, residents are bracing for potentially more severe weather.
Weather forecasts suggest strong winds and significant snowfall could impact southern Minnesota as the week progresses. Many regions, including the Twin Cities, remain uncertain about how much snow they might receive due to variations between storm tracking models. A review of the latest forecasts highlights the challenges meteorologists face this week.
The upcoming storm, expected to hit mid-week, has created two competing predictions based on different models. The American model indicates heavier snowfall could occur across southeastern Minnesota, potentially affecting the Twin Cities. Meanwhile, the European model suggests the storm will track farther south, preventing the heaviest snowfall from reaching the area.
The National Weather Service noted, "Across the spread of latest guidance, a more northern path (through Iowa) would favor higher snowfall totals for SE MN and W WI, whereas a southern track (through Missouri) would push the band of heaviest snow just south of the metro area." With such conflicting predictions, they added, "If you're trying to trust one model over another at this point, good luck. It's just too difficult to say at this point if the Twin Cities will get snow.”
This week’s storm is just the latest chapter in Minnesota’s turbulent weather narrative for March. Forecasters are also monitoring temperatures, which are expected to rise later this month, diminishing the chances of snow accumulation. After the forecasted snowfall, the warm weather is likely to return, providing some relief and rapidly melting any snow cover.
Beyond Minnesota, the storm will affect areas from the Rockies to the Plains, including major cities like Salt Lake City, Denver, Kansas City, and Chicago, all set to experience rain and snow. The impacts of the system are expected to be felt as early as March 17, continuing through March 23, 2025.
While warmer temperatures dominate earlier this week, fire weather concerns are also being raised. A warming trend is expected across the region, with temperatures climbing to the 70s and 80s on March 18. This rise is prompting fire weather watches for areas including Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, and North Platte.
Looking toward later this week, March 19-20 is shaping up to be when both rain and snow will potentially mix as cooler air moves back through the region. A transition from breezy to stormy conditions is expected, starting late Tuesday night with rain shifting to snow overnight.
Forecasters indicate regions will likely see 3 to 4 inches of snow accumulation by late Wednesday morning, prompting winter storm watches for affected areas. A stronger wind is anticipated, ranging from 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, potentially creating blizzard-like conditions and low visibility.
Adding to the complexity of this weather scenario, there exists the potential for thunderstorms and even hail, particularly east of Highway 281. Concerned meteorologists warn this setup may lead to lightning and severe weather late Tuesday night.
To date, heavy snow is predicted across the Midwest as the latest Wave, dubbed Winter Storm Nyla, picks up speed. This winter storm is set to roll out from March 18 through 20, marking another chapter for the continually changing weather patterns. Meteorologists are tracking the development of this storm closely as it could result in blizzard conditions affecting Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Minnesota alongside heavy snow totals.
On March 19, the storm is expected to intensify, contributing to more feeding of snowfall and prompting increased travel hazards. Winter Storm Nyla will develop rapidly, creating significant weather disruptions as it crosses Midwestern states toward the Great Lakes.
Reports suggest the snow could accumulate to nearly 12 inches across the Midwest, with isolated higher totals possible. Forecasters noted the potential for strong to severe winds causing intense snow and whiteout conditions coupled with the overall heavy snow may bring travel to halt.
With temperatures expected to drop significantly behind this storm, Thursday and Friday are predicted to be exceptionally chilly, with temperatures around 10 to 15 degrees below average across the Southeast U.S. including Gulf Coast regions.
Winter Storm Nyla arrives with the potential to disrupt many parts of the U.S. and will transition weather dramatically from warm front moving east of the cyclone, through strong winds, heavy snow, and finally, below-average temperatures.
Residents across affected areas are advised to remain alert and stay tuned for updates as the situation evolves. Emergency management officials encourage caution for travelers as they prepare for another bout of winter weather this week.