Several snow events add up over a week

Clouds are beginning to increase this evening ahead of a clipper system that will swing south of the Stateline later tonight.  Light snow has already begun to fall in Minnesota and will continue to dive southeast through Iowa and into northern Illinois within the next few hours.  The first flakes should begin falling after 8pm and continue through Saturday morning.  As mentioned in the earlier discussion, clipper systems usually aren't big snow producers but the snow that tends to fall is very 'fluffy' and can sometimes add up to several inches.  Generally, a total near 2" of snow should occur but I wouldn't be surprised if there were locally higher amounts; especially if the snow reaches a point in the atmosphere which could allow for rapid development.  Once the snow starts it may become heavy at times which could reduce visibility from time to time later tonight.  Another round of snow is expected again Saturday evening. 





Morning Discussion:




The jetstream pattern through next Wednesday will remain south of the Great Lakes allowing 'Clipper-type' systems to move out of Canada and into Illinois.  While these storm systems aren't known for bringing a lot of snow, because they typically don't have much moisture with them, the snow that does fall can fluff up to several inches due to higher snow to liquid ratios.  Snow to liquid ratios with this system could be as high as 20:1.

The first of several systems will move through late Friday night.  The day will start with plenty of sunshine but clouds roll back in late in the day with the first flakes starting to fall likely after 8pm.  The snow will continue through the overnight and into early Saturday morning with accumulations nearing 2".  That system moves out with another one quickly moving in Saturday night.  Roughly an inch or so can be expected with the second system.  This one will be followed by another late Sunday and then again Monday and Tuesday.  While each system will likely only bring up to an inch of snow, it'll add up by the end of the week.

Fluffy snow tends to be a little more slick than wet snow so if you're out late tonight or early Saturday morning make sure you take it easy.  With subzero temperatures the past couple days the road will be slick and with a little breeze the snow will blow around which may cause some drifting.