March storm could drop around 10 inches of snow on SW MN

A March snowstorm could drop around up to ten inches of snow on southwestern Minnesota this week. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch that will go into effect at noon Thursday.

The snow is expected to start sometime after 1 p.m., with periods of heavy snow and with gusty winds up to 30 mph.  Blowing snow could create hazardous driving conditions and poor visibility.

Some of the heaviest snow is predicted for the Mankato area, with up to 11 inches, but forecasters say much of southern Minnesota could see at least 8 inches of snowfall.

Wednesday’s forecast shows a possibility for an inch of snowfall during the daytime, with the potential for more on Wednesday night. Thursday’s storm will produce snowfall into the early morning hours of Friday, with flakes expected to exit by about 7 a.m. Saturday carries a 40 percent chance of snow, and there’s a 50/50 shot for more on Sunday.

The sun is expected to make its return on Monday, with a 30-degree high temperature.