Arctic cold, heavy winds roll into Minnesota Wednesday; weekend warm-up ahead
MINNEAPOLIS — An arctic cold front is pushing into Minnesota on Wednesday, along with wind speeds of up to 50 mph.
A snow squall warning was briefly in effect on Wednesday morning in parts of the metro and surrounding areas. NOAA describes a snow squall as a "brief period of intense snowfall and wind that leads to whiteout conditions, zero visibility, a possible flash freeze and dangerous traffic accidents."
Temperatures will plummet throughout the day in the metro, and feel like they're in the minus-10s by dinner, with winds gusting to near 50 mph.
Fiercer wind gusts were reported in Beltrami and Bryon, reaching up to 61 mph.
A few snow showers will persist through the day in a handful of communities, with an additional dusting possible.
There will be some icy patches on side roads, walkways, ramps and bridges for a bit on Wednesday afternoon.
The coldest-feeling air of the season thus far will hit the Twin Cities on Wednesday night.
The sun will return for Thursday, with morning wind chills again in the minus-10s in the metro; -20s north and west; and daytime highs in the 10s and 1s.
The metro will see a quick return to above-average temps this weekend, with upper 30s by Saturday and low-to-mid 40s by Sunday.
A rain-snow mix is likely Sunday night into Monday, which could impact the Monday morning and/or evening commute. The best chance for impacts is north of the metro.
Colder temps will follow behind that system, but not quite this cold.
