The good, the bad and the ugly... The good news is that we freshened up that snow pack out there. The fluffy snow will be great for any outdoor activities that you have planned this week that involves snow f- skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, snow angels, etc. (let me know if you have any other activities that begin with the letter "S") - get out there and enjoy it before it's gone, we all know the weather can change rapidly around here. The bad news is that our commute will likely be slow and white-knuckleish for one more day. The afternoon drive will be much better than the slippery drive in to work or school. Hang in there, it'll be much better tomorrow. The ugly side to most every winter storm is the bitter blast after the fact, that too will come to reality, but we're not expecting readings like what we had back in early January - WHEW! It'll be cold, but not terribly cold. Attention getting? Yes. By Wednesday and Thursday morning, you'll have no doubt that it's still winter. Here, take a look at the statewide low temperatures over the next couple of days - BRR!

Low Temps on Wednesday:


Low Temps on Thursday


Fresh Snow Aids Cooling Conditions
Take a look a the images below, they explain why it tends to be so much colder after a newly laid snow pack. Not only is it just plain old cold, but "Albedo" has a big impact the surface temperatures by reflecting sunlight back to space. Fresh snow is one of the highest natural reflecting surfaces causing temperatures to much colder than they otherwise would be.

You may have to study this graphic a little to understand it:

Here's a table that might help out:


Here's proof of the fresh snow - take a look at SOME of the snowfall reports across the state, which are still coming in:

...UPDATED STORM TOTAL SNOWFALLS SO FAR...

THE TOTALS BELOW ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE FINAL AMOUNT FOR EACH
LOCATION.

SNOW REPORTS LISTED BY AMOUNT

INCHES LOCATION ST COUNTY TIME
------ ----------------------- -- -------------- -------
11.00 GLENWOOD MN POPE 0515 PM
9.50 KIMBALL MN STEARNS 0410 PM
5.5 INCHES HAVE FALLEN SINCE 7 AM THIS
MORNING.
9.00 3 SSW BURNSVILLE MN DAKOTA 0515 PM
STORM TOTAL THUS FAR.
8.00 NEW MARKET MN SCOTT 0235 PM
STORM TOTAL. 3.5 INCHES HAVE FALLEN TODAY.
7.80 LAKEVILLE MN DAKOTA 0410 PM
7.40 ROCKFORD MN HENNEPIN 0525 PM
SO FAR
7.30 SW WASECA MN WASECA 0440 PM
STORM TOTAL SINCE SUNDAY MORNING
7.00 WATERVILLE MN LE SUEUR 0356 PM
SO FAR
6.80 1 ENE MINNESOTA LAKE MN FARIBAULT 0215 PM
STORM TOTAL SO FAR. 4.5 INCHES HAVE FALLEN
TODAY.
6.50 KIESTER MN FARIBAULT 0346 PM
SO FAR
6.30 NORTHFIELD MN RICE 0434 PM
6.00 CARVER MN CARVER 0524 PM
STORM TOTAL SO FAR. 3.3 INCHES HAVE FALLEN
SINCE 7 AM.
6.00 3 ENE SILVER CREEK MN WRIGHT 0440 PM
STORM TOTAL SINCE SUNDAY MORNING.
6.00 WINTHROP MN SIBLEY 0431 PM
6.00 PRIOR LAKE MN SCOTT 0137 PM
5.80 RAMSEY MN ANOKA 0539 PM
5.50 WOODBURY MN WASHINGTON 0500 PM
5.00 MANKATO MN BLUE EARTH 0520 PM
KEYC TV STATION. STORM TOTAL SO FAR.
4.50 LITCHFIELD MN MEEKER 0250 PM
STORM TOTAL SINCE 1130 PM MON NIGHT
3.80 HASTINGS MN DAKOTA 0516 PM
STORM TOTAL SO FAR.
2.00 ANDOVER MN ANOKA 0235 PM

Looking Ahead

Sunshine and colder temperatures will rule mid-week, a slight chance of light snow slides in on Friday and a faintly noticeable warming trend will follow into the somewhat sunnier weekend. Here's the specific extended forecast below.

Todd's Outlook for the Twin Cities

Tuesday: Scattered light snow showers gradually ending, light coating possible. High: 18

Tuesday Night: Becoming partly cloudy and cold. Low: 4

Wednesday: Partly cloudy and chilly. High: 17

Thursday: Mix of clouds and sun, quiet. High: 18

Friday: Partly sunny, slight chance of light snow. High 23

Saturday: Partly cloudy, minor set back in the temperature department. High 20

Sunday: Partly cloudy and warmer. High 23

Monday: Threat of a mostly blue sky. High 25