URGENT UPDATE: A dramatic weather shift has gripped Brainerd, Minnesota, as temperatures plummet to 14 degrees and blustery winds gust up to 28 mph on December 28, 2023. After a mild holiday season marked by fog and melting conditions, residents are now bracing for severe winter weather, including blizzard conditions in western Minnesota.
As of midday Sunday, conditions have rapidly deteriorated with freezing fog and blowing snow. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, and Wadena counties, warning of localized whiteouts and wind chills dipping to a dangerous 20 below zero.
While initial forecasts predicted up to 7 inches of snow, the expected snowfall totals for the Brainerd and Baxter areas have been revised down to 3-4 inches, with heavier amounts anticipated in Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties. Todd County is currently under a blizzard warning, while Morrison and Mille Lacs counties face a winter storm warning, as gusts reach 30-50 mph.
By 5 p.m. Sunday, approximately 3 inches of snow had already accumulated near Brainerd. As the storm progresses, light snow is expected to continue until around 3 a.m. Monday, making travel hazardous.
Looking ahead, Monday will bring some relief with sunshine returning, but temperatures will remain frigid, hovering around 5 degrees and feeling much colder due to wind gusts. Residents are advised to prepare for another icy night, with temperatures potentially dropping below zero by midnight.
For those with errands to run, Tuesday may be a better option as temperatures could rise to 30 degrees with a 20% chance of snow before noon. However, brisk northwest winds are expected to continue, gusting up to 25 mph.
As we approach New Year’s Eve, the forecast indicates a 40% chance of snow before noon, with daytime highs struggling to reach 9 degrees and nighttime lows dipping to 6 below zero. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors and enjoy the warmth of home during this cold snap.
With the New Year set to begin, expect sunny skies but continued cold temperatures, with a high near 7 degrees and wind chills plummeting to 20 below zero. The first weekend of January is likely to be mostly cloudy, with highs lingering in the teens.
Residents are urged to stay updated with the National Weather Service for the latest weather alerts and to exercise caution while traveling during these hazardous conditions.
