Rain to snow late Wednesday; some accumulation expected

A shovel-able snow is on the way for Wednesday night into very early Thursday morning. Before we get there, our weather will remain about as quiet and mild as it’s been this February so far. Temperatures will remain above average Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, reaching the low- to mid-40s by early Wednesday afternoon.

As the Alberta Clipper moves across northern Iowa and southern Minnesota Wednesday afternoon through evening, cooler air, rain and snow can be expected. Rain with a bit of snow will start by 5pm Wednesday (a bit earlier closer to I-35), and the changeover to all snow will occur by late Wednesday evening. Some points north of Highway 14, especially north of Pine Island, may see all snow along with the potential of higher accumulations. Final totals by early Thursday morning will be in the 1-3″ range along and north of I-90, with 1″ or lower totals south of I-90.

Clouds look to break pretty early in the day Thursday, making for a gusty and cooler but sunny day, especially by late Thursday morning. More cold air will move in Thursday and Friday. We’re in for a brief “cold snap” as temperatures return to more typical February levels Friday and Saturday. Highs will remain in the mid-20s for a couple days before returning to the mid- to upper-30s Sunday afternoon.