Rapid Warm-Up Forecast Across Much of the Lower 48 Today and Tuesday

Most of the U.S. starts the week calm and unseasonably warm. The Heartland will be warmest, with highs 25–30° above average. Only the Gulf Coast stays chilly. Rain today is limited to western Washington while lake effect snow continues east of Lake Ontario. Cooler air returns after Tuesday, bringing a wintry mix to the Midwest and Northeast by Wednesday. Read More >

Overview

On November 17-18, 2016 atmospheric conditions (moisture transport, strong winds aloft, and low pressure) were ideal for heavy snowfall. Most of the snow fell on November 18, leading to a blizzard warning issued west of the Twin Cities metro region at 3 am. Total accumulated snowfall amounts up to 16 inches were reported in north-central Minnesota. Cities around the Twin Cities region experienced very poor visibility and high wind gusts on November 18 as well.

Snow
Radar
Environment

Snow

Total accumulated snowfall during 48 hours preceding Nov. 19


Blizzard warning issued Nov. 18 at 3 AM CST	Winter storm warning issued Nov. 18 at 6 AM CST	Winter weather advisory issued Nov. 18 at 12 PM CST

Radar:


NEXRAD reflectivity loop on Nov. 18 8-9 AM CST	NEXRAD reflectivity loop on Nov. 18 9:15-10:15 AM CST	NEXRAD reflectivity loop on Nov. 18 4:45-6 PM CST

Environment

Moisture transport from the southern United States, a strong upper-level jet, a trough/low pressure, and high values of precipitable water created a favorable environment for blizzard conditions. These conditions led to heavy snowfall, low visibility, and high winds for most cities around the Twin Cities.


Nov. 18 National Weather Forecast	850 mb RAP analysis loop	700 mb RAP analysis loop


500 mb RAP analysis loop	300 mb 12Z map analysis for Nov. 18 showing strong winds	Precipitable water RAP analysis loop


Montevideo visibility and wind observation graph	Redwood Falls visibility and wind observation graph	Springfield visibility and wind observation graph

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Rapid Warm-Up Forecast Across Much of the Lower 48 Today and Tuesday

Summary of November 17-18, 2016 MN Blizzard