WINTER KEEPS HANGING AROUND, IT COULD GET FLAKY...
Windy and colder weather returned to the Midwest Friday as our latest spring storm raced out of the Midwest. During its extended stay here plenty of rain fell over the Midwest. 72 hour rainfall totals show much of the area NW of the Quad Cities experienced 1-2" totals with a few spots approaching 3". Much lighter amounts fell in SE Iowa and WC Illinois.
Here's a tighter perspective of 24 hour rain totals ending Friday. Some real soakers occurred north of I-80.
Where temperatures were significantly colder in NW Iowa snow fell and accumulations up to 6" were found around Spencer
You can see how the snow band came out of the Rockies and then cut through NW Iowa and the upper Midwest.
That added to seasonal snow totals which now look like this around the nation. It's been another snowy winter in the northern Plains and upper Midwest. Below normal though in my area, especially south of I-80.
The next item of concern is an over-running system that arrives Sunday afternoon and evening bringing a chance of wet snow or rain and snow mixed (especially over the region south of HWY 20). Most models show the potential for some slushy accumulations, especially on grassy and elevated surfaces. I don't think the impacts to travel will amount to much unless its after sunset Sunday. It is a reminder that the March lion is lurking and still on the prowl.
Again with surface temperatures so marginal and the ground warm, it looks like it will be tough to get much more than a couple inches of slushy wet snow. Here's what models are currently showing but keep in mind confidence is still low with a large range in solutions. In fact, some areas could see a mix of rain and snow for a time which could really cut into potential accumulations. (I'm just reluctant to go as bullish as the models at this point in the game). Hopefully Saturday afternoons data will bring a bit more clarity.
The EURO
The 3k NAM
The 12k NAM
The GFS
The CANADIAN GEM
Whatever happens, rest assured the weekend will be chilly with highs roughly in the range of 40-45. At least Saturday will be dry and brighter than Friday, and with less wind you should notice considerable improvement. Have a fine day and remember to practice social distancing! Roll weather...TS
