NWS explains the dust mixed in with fresh snow

Plenty of fresh snow has fallen across the Northland over the last 24 hours, but not all of it is pristine white in color.

Communities are noticing a brown-ish tint to the snow, almost dust-like. The National Weather Service (NWS) has an explanation: “Some of you were wondering why the snow is brown today…Dust storms down in the desert southwest can be seen on visible satellite imagery injecting dust into our storm.”

Some of you were wondering why the snow is brown today…Dust storms down in the desert southwest can be seen on visible satellite imagery injecting dust into our storm. See the brown tinge to the satellite? (image courtesy of College of DuPage) pic.twitter.com/BdgGTL9cjQ

— NWS Duluth (@NWSduluth) April 5, 2023

According to the graphic from the NWS, the dust is coming from the areas of White Sands National Park and the Mexican Deserts near El Paso.