Weekend Alert: Prepare for Brutally Cold Saturday and Sunday
Arctic air is set to hit the upper Midwest this weekend, bringing brutally cold temperatures. Residents should brace for high temperatures below 0°F, especially on Saturday.
Cold Weather Warnings and Wind Chills
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Cold Weather Advisories for counties situated along and north of Highway 14. During Saturday morning, wind chill values will range between -15°F and -25°F in southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa.
Saturday Conditions
- Morning Wind Chills: -15°F to -25°F
- Evening Wind Chills: Expected to drop to -25°F to -30°F post 6-7 p.m.
Cold conditions are expected to persist throughout Saturday, making it essential for residents to prepare for the harsh weather.
Sunday Outlook
Wind chills on Sunday morning could be even more severe, with some areas facing values between -25°F and -40°F. However, conditions are forecasted to improve by late afternoon, with wind chills easing to around -10°F to -15°F.
Long-Term Temperature Trends
Looking ahead, the long-term temperature outlook indicates a warming trend across most of the United States. The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 40-50% chance of above-average temperatures in the upper Midwest from December 19th to 25th. Warmer conditions may begin as early as next week, spanning from Tuesday to Thursday.
White Christmas Prospects
Despite the frigid temperatures, the likelihood of a white Christmas remains uncertain. Currently, Rochester has a snow depth of 7 inches. The odds are about 70% for maintaining at least 1 inch of snow on the ground by Christmas. Nevertheless, a continuing trend of above-average temperatures could diminish these chances.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions during this harsh weather and stay informed about the changing forecasts. For the latest updates, visit El-Balad.com.
