Faribault wakes up to a frigid 11 degrees this morning at 6:00 am, with relative humidity at 87 percent and the barometric pressure falling. It's Tuesday, December 2.![]()
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The record high on this day was 68 degrees in 1998, while 1919 only reached a high of 5. The record low was a bitter -14 back in 1897. We picked up a trace of precipitation and snow today in 2024. On this day in 1985, record low highs were set across north and east central Minnesota, including Alexandria at -4 and Redwood Falls -3. In contrast, 1982 saw a record high of 63 degrees in the Twin Cities.![]()
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Brace yourselves, Rice County...cold, cold, and more cold is here to stay. Temperatures will remain below normal, with Friday possibly seeing a slight warm-up near the freezing mark. The most frigid conditions are expected early Thursday morning, with record lows possible, potentially dropping into the negative middle teens. This extended cold is due to a persistent flow of very cold air from the northwest, caused by a large dip in the jet stream to our east.![]()
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Patchy freezing fog is possible before 10am today. A 30 percent chance of light snow is forecast tonight, mainly before 9pm, though very little to no accumulation is expected. A few more chances for light snow are possible Friday through Saturday from small, fast-moving systems.![]()
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Today, expect mostly sunny skies after the morning fog, with a high near 24 degrees and south southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight will be cloudy with a low around 14. South wind 5 to 10 mph will become northwest after midnight. High temperatures will drop back into the teens Saturday and Sunday, then slowly get warmer into the 20s for early next week.![]()
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As temperatures plummet, remember to bundle up and stay safe. Visit skywarn.us/podcast for our Rice County Skywarn up-to-the-minute Podcast and install our SKYWARN app to easily access both the podcast and our streaming channel!
It's a frigid start to December in Faribault this Monday morning, with the temperature currently 7 degrees at 6:00 am. The relative humidity is 87 percent, and the barometric pressure is falling. The record high was 58 degrees in 1962, while the high only reached 0 degrees in 1897. The record low was a bitter -10 degrees back in 1919. On this day in 1998, the Twin Cities recorded its warmest December day ever at 68 degrees. In 1985, parts of central Minnesota, including Waseca and Milaca, received a foot of snow.![]()
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Thank you to everyone who submitted reports on the snowfall from Friday and Saturday...we appreciate your contributions to our community weather picture. For today, Rice County can expect cloudy skies with a chance of flurries between 9am and 5pm. The high will be near 19 degrees, with a south southwest wind at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, conditions remain mostly cloudy, and temperatures will drop to a low around 9 degrees, with a southwest wind around 5 mph.![]()
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Looking ahead, colder than normal temperatures will continue through the first week of December. Highs will generally be in the teens or 20s, with overnight lows near or below zero. The coldest morning is expected Thursday, bringing the season's first widespread sub-zero temperatures as cold air from Canada settles in. We expect mostly light snow chances this week. A few flurries are possible in southeastern Minnesota later today, and scattered snow showers are possible Tuesday night into Wednesday, and again on Friday. Accumulations from these systems are expected to be minimal, likely in the Trace to half-inch range. A more organized weather system is being monitored for Saturday, which could bring a bit more snowfall to the region.![]()
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Stay informed with our up-to-the-minute weather information! Visit skywarn.us/podcast for our Rice County Skywarn up-to-the-minute Podcast for a great 2 or 3 minute, hands-off listening experience, where you'll hear, in a minute or two, everything you need to know weather-wise to get you through your day! Install our SKYWARN app from there to easily access both the podcast and our streaming channel!
Faribault is experiencing a cold Sunday morning, November 30, with 21 degrees at 8:30 am and a wind chill of 10 degrees from a north-northwest wind at 9 miles per hour. Relative humidity is 86 percent, and the barometric pressure is rising rapidly.![]()
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Light snow impacting our region is gradually ending from west to east this morning and should be largely clear from Rice County by noon. However, northwest winds will increase later today, with gusts of 20 to 30 mph. This could lead to drifting snow and slick roads through the morning, so travel conditions may remain degraded. Rice County has an active hazardous weather outlook, and we encourage spotters and snowfall observers to report amounts to the National Weather Service.![]()
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The fun part of this winter storm is the incoming cold air. Expect cloudy skies to transition to some sunshine this afternoon, but temperatures will struggle, with highs likely in the low 20s for Rice County. Tonight, lows across the area will be near 0 degrees. This colder than normal trend continues through the first week of December, with Monday highs near 20 and lows in the single digits.![]()
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By Wednesday, a small, fast-moving system will bring a chance of snow showers during the daytime, though accumulations look minor, typically a dusting up to half an inch. Following this, temperatures will drop again, with highs returning to the teens. Early Thursday morning is expected to be the first widespread morning with temperatures below zero this season, possibly even ten below zero or colder.![]()
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Historically, November 30 has seen a wide range of conditions in Minnesota. The record high was 63 degrees in 1998, while the high only reached 6 degrees in 1985. The record low was a frigid -13 degrees in 1964. On this day in 2006, lake effect snow occurred downwind of larger lakes. In 2000, parts of southwest Minnesota saw 6 to 8 inches of snow, and in 1991, 14 inches fell in the Twin Cities. A bitterly cold -45 was reported at the Pokegama Dam in 1896.![]()
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Please visit our website at skywarn.us where you'll always find the latest local weather updates, and more about our Rice County Skywarn Program!
7:30 AM STORM UPDATE: The WINTER STORM WARNING is still in effect for Rice County until 6:00 am Sunday. We picked up just a little bit of snow overnight, and we are expecting this long-duration snowfall to bring total accumulations between 4 and 6 inches for Le Sueur and Rice Counties. Snowfall rates are estimated at about half an inch per hour, which over many hours will create hazardous travel conditions. Roads, bridges, and overpasses will become slick, and travel could be very difficult. Please use extra caution if you must be on the roads today. On this day in 1991, parts of central Minnesota received heavy snow, with New Ulm seeing a record 16 inches from a similar system.![]()
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It's a cold start to your Saturday in Rice County, with the temperature at 7:30 am in Faribault sitting at 23 degrees. A northeast wind at 7 miles per hour creates a wind chill of 14 degrees. The relative humidity is 86 percent, and the barometric pressure is falling, signaling changes ahead.![]()
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The main low pressure system driving this snow is to our south, but it's generating enough rising air to bring us steady snow through today. The snow is expected to gradually diminish tonight. Another important element to note is that winds will become breezy this afternoon and tonight, with gusts between 20 and 30 miles per hour common across southern Minnesota. These winds could lead to stretches of blowing snow, making visibility difficult, especially along the I-90 corridor where gusts may approach 35 miles per hour.![]()
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Looking back at Minnesota's weather history on November 29, the record high was a remarkably warm 64 degrees in 1923, contrasting sharply with a high of only 2 degrees in 1964. The record low was a frigid -14 degrees back in 1897, while Fort Snelling reported -11 in 1835.![]()
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After this snowfall event departs, much colder air will move into our region. Sunday's forecast highs will mainly range in the teens west of Interstate 35, and Monday will see teens across the entire coverage area. Morning wind chills will make it feel a few degrees above or below zero. Temperatures will fluctuate throughout the week as a couple of fast-moving systems may bring light snow, but nothing significant is expected after today.![]()
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We encourage community members to stay informed during this weather event. Visit skywarn.us/streaming for our Rice County Skywarn Streaming Channel, featuring the latest radar imagery, historical and future radar, weather outlooks, and weather alerts and forecasts.
The National Weather Service in Chanhassen delivers an update regarding tomorrow's winter storm event.
3:20 PM STORM UPDATE: The timing of the WINTER STORM WARNING has been pushed back 6 hours, and will now go in effect TONIGHT at MIDNIGHT until 6 AM Sunday. Expected total snow accumulations have been adjusted down slightly from the former 5 to 7 inches earlier today, to now 3 to 6 inches possible. Still less amounts expected to the north, and more to the south.![]()
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Travel could be very difficult. If you must travel late tonight and Saturday, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511mn.org for road condition information.![]()
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Keep watching Rice County Skywarn on social media for updates, and check out our Streaming Channel at skywarn.us/streaming for up-to-the-minute weather radar and announcements. Only able to listen? Check out our podcast at skywarn.us/podcast
The National Weather Service has elevated the Winter Weather Advisory to a WINTER STORM WARNING, effective from 6 PM Friday until 12 AM Sunday, for all of Rice County. The expected total snow accumulations have been nudged up to between 5 and 7 inches, less amounts to the north, and more to the south.![]()
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Roads, bridges, and especially overpasses will likely become slick and hazardous, making travel very difficult. The hazardous conditions are expected to impact the Friday evening commute. Spotters and snowfall observers are encouraged to report snowfall amounts.![]()
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At 7 am in Faribault, it's 14 degrees with a west wind at 3 miles per hour, creating a wind chill of 8 degrees. The relative humidity is 86 percent, and the barometric pressure is steady. On this day, November 28, the record high was 68 degrees in 1998, and the low record was -11 back in 1952. In Minnesota weather history, on this date in 1983, widespread snowfall brought over a foot of snow to central Minnesota, with 15 inches falling in Gaylord. ![]()
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Today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 23 degrees. Snow is expected to begin in southwestern Minnesota late this afternoon and spread eastward into Rice County later this evening, mainly after 11pm. Tonight's low will be around 19 degrees, with 1 to 3 inches of new snow possible overnight. The snowfall will continue and become widespread throughout Saturday across southern Minnesota and into western Wisconsin. This system is expected to bring continuous snowfall, leading to significant accumulations. Winds should remain below 20 mph, reducing concerns for blowing snow.![]()
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After this system passes, colder temperatures will settle in. Highs will be in the teens and lows a few degrees on either side of zero Sunday and Monday, with wind chills dropping below zero both mornings. This pattern of cold, dry air will persist through the first half of next week. Looking ahead, a fast-moving storm system from Canada could bring our next chance of snow or rain late next week.![]()
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Visit skywarn.us/streaming for our Rice County Skywarn Streaming Channel, featuring the latest radar imagery, historical and future radar, weather outlooks, and weather alerts and forecasts.
The National Weather Service has issued a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY, effective from 6 PM Friday until 12 AM Sunday. This advisory affects all of Rice County. Snow is possible, with total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches expected.![]()
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Snow is expected to develop across southern Minnesota Friday evening and continue through Saturday. Accumulations may lead to travel impacts Friday night into Saturday night. Travel may be very difficult. These hazardous conditions may impact the Friday evening commute.![]()
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Keep watching Rice County Skywarn on social media for updates, and check out our Streaming Channel at skywarn.us/streaming for up-to-the-minute weather radar and announcements. Only able to listen? Check out our podcast at skywarn.us/podcast
Winter Storm Watches for Friday night through Saturday have been issued off to our south for potentially significant and long-duration snowfall. We continue to watch the track of this upcoming storm to see if advisories will be needed for Rice County. We'll of course bring you those advisories if they are issued.![]()
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Happy Thanksgiving! At 6:00 am in Faribault, it is 23 degrees with a west-northwest wind at 9 miles per hour, making the wind chill 13 degrees. Relative humidity is 84 percent. Historically, this date saw a record high of 60 degrees in 1909 and a record low of -10 degrees in 1897. Today, expect mostly cloudy skies with isolated flurries possible between noon and 4pm, with a high near 27 degrees. Tonight, it remains mostly cloudy with a low around 14 degrees. In 1994, a major low pressure system delivered Minnesota's first significant winter storm of the season, closing the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and contributing to numerous accidents and three fatalities across the state. In 1971, a foot of snow fell in Redwood Falls.![]()
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The upcoming storm system is expected to produce a wide area of light to moderate snow across southern Minnesota and into western Wisconsin through all of Saturday. The storm's 24 to 36 hour duration is key, leading to gradual accumulation. Six inches or more of snow are possible in portions of southern Minnesota, including Rice County, from midnight Saturday to sunrise Sunday.![]()
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The snow will likely be light and fluffy, with weaker winds reducing blowing and drifting compared to recent systems. After the system moves out, significantly colder temperatures will arrive. Highs will be in the teens and lows in the single digits on Sunday and Monday. Wind chills will drop below zero for both mornings, potentially reaching -10 degrees Monday morning, so be prepared for a very cold start to December.![]()
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Visit skywarn.us/streaming for our Rice County Skywarn Streaming Channel, featuring the latest radar imagery, historical and future radar, weather outlooks, and weather alerts and forecasts to stay updated on this developing storm.
5 a.m. UPDATE: Rice County remains under a Winter Storm Warning until 9 AM this morning. While widespread light snow will wind down, an additional 1 to 2 inches are still expected. More critically, strong northwest winds, gusting up to 45 miles per hour, will persist, leading to widespread blowing snow. This will significantly reduce visibility and create brief whiteout conditions, making the Wednesday morning commute hazardous. Slippery roads are likely, and gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Road conditions across Minnesota currently show snow coverage and some ice. Give yourself extra time if traveling this morning...non-essential travel should be avoided until conditions improve this afternoon.![]()
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Faribault is experiencing a cold start this Wednesday, November 26, at 5 a.m., with temperatures at 26 degrees. A northwest wind at 13 miles per hour, gusting to 25 miles per hour, creates a wind chill of 15 degrees.![]()
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The record high on this date was 65 degrees in 1914, contrasting sharply with a high of only 11 degrees and a record low of -15 degrees, both set in 1977. Historically, this date is marked by significant snow events, like the 2001 storm that brought over 20 inches of snow to parts of central Minnesota, with Willmar receiving 30.4 inches. In 1896, a severe Thanksgiving Day ice storm caused extensive damage across southwest and central Minnesota, including 1.42 inches of freezing rain at Bird Island.![]()
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Looking ahead, snow will diminish into the early afternoon, with blustery winds gradually weakening tonight. Thanksgiving Day looks quiet but cold, with highs struggling to get out of the mid 20s and breezy northwest winds around 10 to 15 miles per hour. Travel conditions should improve significantly. However, another chance for accumulating snow arrives late Friday into Saturday. Current forecasts suggest a developing low-pressure system could bring significant snow, particularly to southern Minnesota, potentially rivaling our current storm. This will be critical to monitor for post-holiday travel. Arctic air is then expected to settle in, bringing single digit lows and highs only in the 20s into early December.![]()
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Visit skywarn.us/podcast for our Rice County Skywarn up-to-the-minute Podcast for a great 2 or 3 minute, hands-off listening experience, where you'll hear, in a minute or two, everything you need to know weather-wise to get you through your day! Install our SKYWARN app from there to easily access both the podcast and our streaming channel!
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