Brandon Weatherz: Quiet start to an active week

The focus of the forecast remains on a snowy system that will impact mid-week travel. Our Monday is quiet with cloudy skies and rather steady temperatures. Early morning temps begin around 30 degrees, then highs stay in low to mid-30s. We stay on the mild side again tonight with lows in mid-20s, then highs climb to mid-30s on Tuesday under cloudy skies.

Tuesday will be quiet into the afternoon, then mixed precipitation arrives from the southwest through the afternoon and evening with travel becoming slick. A Winter Storm Watch begins at noon Tuesday for South St. Louis, Carlton, Aitkin, Cass and Crow Wing Counties. The Watch begins at 6 pm for Itasca, Central St. Louis, Lake, and Cook Co. in Minnesota, and all northwest Wisconsin Counties. The Winter Storm Watch for all areas is currently set to expire at 6 am on Thursday.

Heavy mixed precipitation will bring the potential for light ice accumulation Tuesday afternoon and evening, then snow takes over Tuesday night with several inches of snow expected by the Wednesday morning commute. Snow continues to fall through the day Wednesday with additional travel impacts expected. The responsible weather system will be a slow mover, and it currently looks to linger in our region with additional snow chances through Friday.

All said and done, around 12” or more is expected around the Twin Ports area and along the North Shore with localized amounts approaching 18”. Widespread accumulation of around 10” or more fills out the rest of northern Minnesota. Amounts fall toward 6” or more looking east across northwest Wisconsin toward Ashland and into the U.P.

Winds will also be a factor with this system. A breezy east wind develops Tuesday and ramps up overnight into Wednesday. Visibility may be very poor by Wednesday morning. Winds continue to be around 10-15 mph Thursday out of the northeast, then shift to northwest on Friday.

Today: Mostly cloudy. High 32. SE wind 5-15 mph.

Tonight: Cloudy and breezy. Low 26. SE wind 10-15 mph.

Tomorrow: Cloudy and breezy. Snow arriving after 6 pm. High 34. E wind 15-20 mph. Chance of snow: 50%

Wednesday: Snowy and breezy. High 33. E wind 15-20 mph. Chance of snow: 90%

Thursday: Snow showers and breezy. High 32. NE 10-15 mph. Chance of snow: 70%

Friday: Cloudy and breezy with a chance for snow. High 28. NW wind 10-15 mph. Chance of snow: 50%

Saturday: Cloudy and breezy with a slight chance for snow. High 24. NW wind 10-15 mph. Chance of snow: 20%

Sunday: Cool and breezy. High 16. W wind 10-15 mph.