Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Discussion 2278

   Mesoscale Discussion 2278
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0952 AM CST Sun Dec 28 2025

   Areas affected...North central Iowa...southern and eastern Minnesota
   and northwestern Wisconsin

   Concerning...Heavy snow 

   Valid 281552Z - 282145Z

   SUMMARY...Heavy snow, with rates near 1 inch per hour, is expected
   to develop by midday in east central Minnesota and northwest
   Wisconsin.  Occasional blizzard conditions are expected into
   southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

   DISCUSSION...Gradual erosion of a warm nose (noted in the 12z MPX
   sounding) will continue through the afternoon from eastern MN into
   northwest WI as a result of strengthening ascent and
   cooling/saturation of profiles to the northwest of a deepening
   cyclone now near the IA/MO/IL border.  Near-surface cooling from
   northwest-to-southeast will become more favorable for
   accumulating/heavy snow from east central MN into northwest WI
   within the primary deformation band, while snowfall rates will be
   lower farther southwest into southern MN/northern IA.  However, a
   strengthening pressure gradient and rapidly falling temperatures
   into the teens/single digits will result in blowing snow and
   blizzard conditions (frequent gusts 35-50 mph with visibility
   reduced to 1/4 mi or less) from southern MN/northern IA through the
   afternoon.

   ..Thompson.. 12/28/2025

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...DLH...ARX...MPX...DMX...FSD...

   LAT...LON   44149300 43569311 43169339 42899399 42959490 43549539
               44319536 45199483 46129356 46609234 46829155 46809116
               46409115 46039152 45179278 44709305 44149300