NOAA’s 3-Month Climate Outlook for January, February, and March

We picked up a little snow right before Christmas, but that's been about it here in southern Minnesota; and even that's gone now. It's been a fairly warm and very dry late autumn and early winter here in the Bold North.

There's a lot of winter left though, and just how much snow and cold we stand to get is yet to be seen.

After a damp, dreary, warm and wet week across southern Minnesota, temperatures are expected to take a turn for the colder with daily highs only expected to rise into the teens through the weekend.

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The three month outlook from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has been published for January, February, and March.

The Precipitation Forecast

The three month precipitation forecast for Minnesota is calling for a better chance for above average precipitation between now and the end of March. Whether that turns out to be rain or snow (or something in between) remains to be seen.

Most areas of Southern Minnesota are anywhere between eight and twelve inches below average snowfall to date for the season.

The Temperature Forecast

NOAA's temperature forecast for the next three months looks to have equal chances to somewhat below normal temperatures. The average high in Owatonna in January is 22. In February that climbs a bit to 28, with the average high in January up to 40.

The forecast for the upcoming week includes a significant cooldown, with high temperatures only climbing into the teens through at least Sunday. Things look to remain dry, with the first chance of precipitation coming as a slight chance of snow on Saturday.