People want perfection in an imperfect world. “Paul, how many inches of snow in my yard? Be specific!” Got it. Weather models are pretty good and getting better. But they will never be perfect. I remember my favorite meteorology professor’s face getting red. “You cannot predict snow down to the INCH! The science isn’t there.”
Douglas: Enjoy the snow, then a Christmas thaw
The Twin Cities could still salvage a white Christmas.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
December 19, 2024 at 10:04PM
Dr. Cahir came up with the “nuisance/plowable/crippling” scale, which I borrowed when I came to Minnesota in 1983. It seems to have caught on.
Overall, the snowfall forecast for Thursday’s clipper was pretty close, but the storm tracked 100 miles south of what was predicted (meaning the heaviest snow bands set up over the southern and western suburbs).
I don’t like to beg, but if you love snow I’m PLEADING with you to get out today into Sunday. Perfect. Powder. Chilly yes, but hardly arctic.
The sun should be visible today and Saturday (light winds tomorrow), with 20s returning Sunday. I see 30s next week, maybe 40 in a week. We should salvage a white Christmas. Don’t wait to play in the fresh powder!
As of 6 p.m., 5.2 inches had fallen at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with 6 inches reported at the Chanhassen offices of the National Weather Service as snow tapered off.
