Minnesota has found itself in a snow drought this winter, with the dearth of the white stuff beginning in autumn and persisting into spring. A paltry 5.3 inches of snow has graced Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport thus far. It’s shaping up to be a winter rivaling the meagre snowfall of 1913, when the Twin Cities witnessed more snow in October than in the following two months combined. Suffice it to say, the snow situation this winter is looking rather bleak, with a deficit of 15.1 inches in the Twin Cities.

The weekend’s weather forecast indicates that a low-pressure system will sweep in snowfall across central and northern Minnesota, as well as in northwestern Wisconsin. The Twin Cities could also see a dusting of snow by Friday afternoon, while most of Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin are poised for periodic snow from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the brunt of the snowfall is expected to hit northeastern Minnesota and parts of north-central Minnesota, with totals ranging from 3 to 7 inches. Winter weather advisories are in effect for various counties, warning of treacherous roads and hazardous travel conditions.

The statewide snow forecast for the weekend suggests that central Minnesota may receive a few inches of fresh snow, while the Twin Cities metro area could see up to an inch from Friday evening into Saturday. If weekend travel is on the agenda, it’s crucial to monitor road conditions and take necessary precautions.

In addition to the snow, it’s important to keep an eye on temperature trends. Highs in the 30s are forecasted for much of Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Friday, dropping to the 20s in the far north. A similar pattern is expected for Saturday, with Sunday’s highs mainly in the 20s.

For those eager to stay informed about the weather, the MPR News network is poised to provide live weather updates and essential information to help navigate the snowy conditions and ensure a safe weekend.