Cold weekend, snowflakes on Saturday

A sharp cold front will slide through on Friday sending temperatures plummeting as chilly, Arctic air makes its presence felt.

Temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s overnight Thursday into early Friday before the front arrives. Once it clears the area, temperatures will fall into the 40s. A brisk northwest wind gusting to 30 mph will lead to wind chills likely in the 30s throughout the day.

Another cold front will slide through on Saturday and with cold air in place, there is the chance for snow showers. One weather model has the majority of any snow confined to Iowa while another brings it north across western and southern Minnesota.

Regardless, considering the recent warmth and overall dynamics of the system fairly weak, accumulations won’t amount to much and will mainly reside on grassy surfaces. It’s just a sign that winter isn’t too far away.

Temperatures are expected to be well below-normal through the weekend into next week with highs in the 30s and night lows in the 20s. A hard freeze is looking likely Monday morning.