Minnesota Weather: Snow, Heavy Rain for Christmas Holiday

Snow will develop Friday morning and taper off in the early evening. Snowfall amounts of two to four inches are expected from Fairmont to Red Wing and Eau Claire on eastward.

Less than an inch can be expected west of New Ulm to Cambridge.

Then, a powerful storm will bring multiple hazards to the area Sunday into Monday. Patchy freezing drizzle Saturday night will become steady freezing rain Sunday morning, before changing to rain (heavy at times) from south to north Sunday afternoon.

Around a quarter inch of ice accumulation is possible across portions of central Minnesota where a winter storm watch is in effect. Some thunderstorms will also develop Sunday afternoon and evening ahead of the main cold front. Windy conditions will accompany the system Sunday through Monday, with gusts possibly exceeding 50 mph by Monday morning.

Twin Cities Christmas Day Forecast

Freezing rain likely before 11 a.m., then rain or freezing rain between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., then rain after 1 p.m. Some thunder is also possible.

Freezing fog could occur before 8 a.m. Sunday's high will be near 39. Breezy, with an east southeast wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent, according to the National Weather Service.

A few thunderstorms are possible late Sunday afternoon and evening. Around one inch of rain is expected, which could lead to river flooding and urban flooding, especially where storm drains are plugged by snow piles.

The best chance for accumulating ice and snow will be across northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and the Dakotas.

The upcoming rain event could end up being only the third significant rain event on Christmas over the past few decades, according to the National Weather Service.

Image via National Weather Service