Winter Rain??

Another storm system is affecting areas of the plains already today, areas of Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska have had heavy snow reports throughout the afternoon. In some reports, thundersnow was mentioned with the snow accumulating over 3 inches an hour. Highest totals so far have been featured in the Colorado mountains, where over 2 feet of snow just today has occurred. Look for highest snow totals on the plains to be featured from northwest Kansas through central Nebraska, where areas may see over 18 inches of snow. Higher snow amounts may also be seen in central Dakotas, although a foot is likely to be the highest amount possible. The snow will taper off in amounts to the west and east of the heavy bands forecasted in those areas… Other snowfall is likely by Sunday/Monday across central Minnesota although highest amounts there are likely in the 2-5 inch range.

As for Iowa, looks like another rain event for the state through Sunday afternoon. Rain today has tapered off for a while, although more is likely tonight and tomorrow. Several bands of rain are likely to make their way through the state over the weekend, even as temperatures slowly fall during the day on Sunday. Finally by Sunday evening it does look like areas of northwest Iowa may be cold enough to handle some snowfall, although amounts at this time are looking to only be 1-2 inches at most. That snow may make for some slippery conditions, but nothing very hazardous seems likely right now. Nonetheless, travelers for New Year’s parties may want to keep an eye out if anything changes as systems like this could easily change tracks or become slightly cooler or warmer and thus change precipitation form. But, for now the latest forecast is looking like rain even though winter is supposed to be here!