5:45 a.m. UPDATE: A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY goes into effect at 3 p.m. TODAY until 6 a.m. WEDNESDAY for all of Rice County. Today's complex system is expected to bring a wintry mix to our area. We could see a period of icy drizzle or freezing rain this morning, possibly turning to rain, then eventually snow tonight. Total snow accumulations for Rice County are currently forecast between 1 and 3 inches, with a light glaze of ice possible. These conditions will likely impact the Tuesday evening commute, so please plan accordingly.![]()
![]()
Strong winds will develop, with gusts as high as 35 miles per hour today and up to 40 miles per hour tonight. While our region may see some blowing snow, there is uncertainty about how easily the snow will blow around after a day where temperatures reach close to 40 degrees with periods of rain and drizzle. Despite this, hazardous driving conditions are still expected.![]()
![]()
Current conditions in Faribault are 25 degrees, feeling like 17 degrees with a northwest wind at 7 miles per hour. The barometric pressure is falling rapidly, a sign of the changing weather ahead. The record high for this day was 59 degrees in 1939, while the record low was a frigid 17 degrees below zero in 1947. On this day in 2003, southwest Minnesota, including areas near our region, experienced 6 to 10 inches of snow with strong winds creating blowing and drifting snow.![]()
![]()
Looking ahead, after experiencing a couple of milder days today and tomorrow, a significant deep freeze arrives from Wednesday through next weekend. Extremely cold temperatures are expected by this weekend, with wind chill values likely surpassing 20 degrees below zero Friday night and Saturday night, approaching official warning levels.![]()
![]()
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 for all of Rice County, effective from 3 PM Tuesday until 6 AM Wednesday. Mixed precipitation is possible. Total snow accumulations may be between 2 to 5 inches, and ice accumulations around a light glaze are possible. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph are also possible.![]()
![]()
Slippery road conditions are possible. These hazardous conditions may impact the Tuesday evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.![]()
![]()
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
It's 10 degrees at 5:15 am in Faribault. Winds are out of the southeast at 8 miles per hour, creating a current wind chill of -2 degrees. The relative humidity is 80 percent, and the barometric pressure is falling slowly.![]()
![]()
On this day, December 8, in Minnesota weather history, the record high was 53 degrees in 1946, while the high only reached -6 degrees in 1927, which also holds the record low of -19 degrees. A notable event occurred on December 8, 1995, when a strong low pressure system brought significant snowfall to Northern Minnesota, followed by an intense cold front. Snowfall of five to eight inches was common, with over 7 inches reported at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. The cold front caused temperatures to drop 20 degrees within an hour, and strong northwest winds of 20 to 40 miles per hour resulted in severe blowing snow and white-out conditions. Over 150 schools and many businesses closed, and the Governor ordered state offices closed early. This day in 1876 also marked the first use of the term 'Blizzard' in a government weather publication.![]()
![]()
For today, Monday, Rice County can expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 26 degrees. A couple of weaker systems will bring light snow to our area. We have a 50 percent chance of snow overnight, mainly before 5 am, with steady temperatures around 8 degrees and total accumulation of less than a half inch possible. A separate band of snow, caused by warm air moving in, is expected to lose steam this morning and largely stay west of the I-35 corridor.![]()
![]()
Looking ahead, a strong clipper system is forecast to bring accumulating, potentially heavy, snow to portions of central and eastern Minnesota on Tuesday and Tuesday night. Currently, the most likely path for the heaviest snow, a narrow band of 4 to 7 inches, is along and north of Interstate 94. However, forecasts suggest the transition line between rain and heavy snow could shift 20 to 30 miles southwest, potentially placing this intense snow band (with snow falling at 1-2 inches per hour) over the Twin Cities metro area and possibly Rice County. This storm is characterized by powerful features, including a strong, fast-moving high-altitude wind current and high moisture content. A very narrow band of sleet and freezing rain will be possible early Tuesday morning where the transition from rain to snow occurs, especially for the first 2-4 hours of precipitation.![]()
![]()
Strong winds are also a major concern for Tuesday evening. Gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour are possible, and south of I-94 in Minnesota, gusts of 40-50 miles per hour are likely, with potential for even higher speeds. These intense winds could lead to significant blowing and drifting snow if the heavier snowfall materializes in our area.![]()
![]()
The rest of the week will see a return to very cold arctic air. High temperatures Friday through Sunday will struggle to get above 10 degrees, with lows dropping into the single digits and teens below zero. Wind chills are forecast to be in the 25 to 35 below zero range Friday night through Saturday morning, making Extreme Cold warnings or advisories likely. We may also see more opportunities for light snow, with 0.5 to 2-inch dustings possible Thursday/Thursday night, Friday, and Saturday.![]()
![]()
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!
It's a frigid 2 degrees this Sunday morning at 7 a.m. in Faribault, with a biting wind chill of -10 degrees, thanks to a north wind at 8 miles per hour. The relative humidity is 82 percent, and the barometric pressure is rising rapidly, indicating a temporary clear-out of our recent weather.![]()
![]()
In 2023, the temperature hit a record high of 57 degrees. In stark contrast, 1972 saw a high of only 1 degree and a record low of -22 degrees. On this day in 1982, a farmer near St. Bonifacius was able to bale his fourth crop of alfalfa hay due to unseasonably mild conditions. Meanwhile, in 1927, a blizzard slammed the Arrowhead region with heavy snows and 70 mph winds in Duluth.![]()
![]()
Today, cold temperatures will dominate, with highs only reaching the single digits across much of Minnesota. Expect mostly sunny skies with a high near 6 degrees and wind chill values as low as -13. Tonight, there's a 40 percent chance of light snow, mainly between 11pm and 5am, with less than an inch of accumulation expected. Temperatures will rise to around 9 degrees by 5am.![]()
![]()
Multiple chances for snow or mixed precipitation exist in the first half of this week. Monday will see temperatures warm into the 20s. The most significant weather period will be Tuesday into Tuesday night. A stronger storm system is expected to track near the I-94 corridor. For Rice County and areas south of I-94, this system will likely bring rain as temperatures warm into the mid to upper 30s. However, a brief change to freezing rain is possible, and areas just north of the I-94 corridor could see significant accumulating snow, potentially 4 to 7 inches. This strong system could pack a punch and lead to hazardous travel conditions.![]()
![]()
Looking ahead, cold temperatures will return to end the week. Highs are expected to struggle to get above single digits on Friday and Saturday, with nighttime lows plummeting well below zero. Cold weather advisories or warnings may be needed, especially over western Minnesota, if breezier winds occur overnight.![]()
![]()
Grab our app at skywarn.us/podcast. Click the big orange button, and install our SKYWARN app from there to easily access both the podcast and our streaming channel!
Good Saturday morning, Rice County! At 7:00 a.m. in Faribault, it's 21 degrees, with relative humidity at 86 percent and steady barometric pressure.![]()
![]()
There's a Winter Weather Advisory in effect off to our south for accumulating snow today into early Sunday morning. However, Rice County is not expected to pick up quite that much. Today's forecast calls for snow, mainly after 4pm, with a high near 23 degrees. Calm wind will become northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. There is a 90 percent chance of precipitation, with total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Tonight, snow is expected mainly before 1am, with a low around -3 degrees. A north wind around 5 mph is forecast, and there's a 90 percent chance of precipitation with new snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Total accumulation for Rice County today and tonight could be 1 to 3 inches in the Faribault area, with less snow to the north and higher amounts to our south.![]()
![]()
The record high on this day was 62 degrees in 2001, while the high only reached 5 degrees in 1909. On this day in 1950, a significant snowstorm hit Duluth, with 23.2 inches of snow in 24 hours, and a storm total of 35.2 inches. Also, in 1939, warm weather occurred over parts of Minnesota, with the high temperature hitting 62 degrees at New London.![]()
![]()
Following this fast-moving system, cold air will settle in. Sunday will be dry but very cold, with highs in Minnesota only reaching the single digits. Another cold night is expected Sunday night, with lows within 5 degrees of 0 Fahrenheit. Looking ahead, additional chances for snow or mixed precipitation exist over the course of the upcoming week. The most significant chance for snow appears to be Tuesday into Tuesday night. Forecast models are still showing some uncertainty regarding the exact track of this system, which could either bring a quick burst of significant snow or keep us in milder, above-freezing temperatures depending on its path. Another blast of cold air is then suggested for the latter half of next week.![]()
![]()
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.
It's 20 degrees at 6 a.m. in Faribault, with a south wind at 6 miles per hour making the wind chill feel like 12 degrees. The relative humidity is 81 percent, and the barometric pressure is falling.![]()
![]()
Today is Friday, December 5th. The record high for this date was 62 degrees in 2001, while the record low plunged to -12 degrees in 1991. On this day in 2001, an unseasonably warm December day brought summer-like thunderstorms to the Twin Cities, even dropping quarter-sized hail at the Eyota Post Office in Olmsted County. Also, on this day in 1979, mild air moved into Minnesota with highs in the low 50s.![]()
![]()
Light snow is expected to spread across the region this morning and continue through the afternoon. While areas very close to the I-94 corridor may see 1 to 3 inches of accumulation, Faribault and areas farther south are more likely to receive a lighter coating to less than a half inch. This could still lead to slick travel, especially impacting the afternoon commute. Drivers should plan for extra time and exercise caution.![]()
![]()
A second round of snow is forecast for Saturday, with the greatest amounts expected along the I-90 corridor. However, Rice County could receive anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow. Travel impacts are likely. Following these systems, cold air will settle in, pushing Friday night lows into the single digits and Saturday night lows into the negative single digits, especially over western Minnesota, spreading across the entire area by Sunday night. Wind chills might remain below zero degrees Fahrenheit through Sunday.![]()
![]()
Looking ahead to next week, another weather system originating from the Pacific is expected Tuesday through Wednesday. Current forecasts suggest elevated moisture levels, bringing the potential for a complex mix of rain, freezing rain, and snow. Temperatures will be crucial in determining precipitation type, so this system will require close monitoring. We'll likely see milder temperatures mid-week, followed by another spell of cold air late next week.![]()
![]()
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!
These cold temperatures sure could make one say Ope on a morning like this here in Rice County. It's an unbearable -8 degrees at 6 a.m. in Faribault, missing the record low of -13 degrees set back in 1991. Northwest winds are 6 miles per hour making the wind chill feel like -21 degrees. Relative humidity is 83 percent, and the barometric pressure is falling. Widespread temperatures are below zero across Southern Minnesota, with wind chills ranging from -15 to -25. The good news is that we begin to slowly improve and warm up today all the way through Friday.![]()
![]()
For today, Rice County can expect mostly sunny skies, with a high near 14 degrees. However, wind chill values will remain as low as -20. Light south southwest wind will become south 10 to 15 mph in the morning, with gusts as high as 25 mph. On this day, December 4, the record high was 60 degrees in 1998, and it only reached 6 for a high in 1972. Historically, on this day in 1886, Minneapolis hit a record-setting 15 degrees below zero.![]()
![]()
Looking ahead, a pair of clipper systems will bring our next chances of snow to the region. The first fast-moving system will arrive Friday morning, bringing light snow from west to east across much of Southern Minnesota, including Rice County. Minor accumulations are possible, with a fresh half-inch of snow for most locations, which could make the morning commute slippery. Chances of precipitation are currently above 60-70 percent.![]()
![]()
But wait, there's more! On Saturday morning, another disturbance is predicted to move through the Dakotas into Iowa, allowing much of the southern half of Minnesota to receive additional snowfall. The latest accumulation maps show the potential for 2-3 inches across south-central Minnesota, including Rice County, into northern Iowa. After these systems, colder air will move in, with forecast temperatures returning to the double to single digits below zero for lows on Sunday and Monday morning.![]()
![]()
Looking further ahead into early next week, if you missed the previous two opportunities for snow, you'll get another chance. The upper-level weather pattern remains active, sending another storm system to impact Minnesota. As warmer air moves in, temperatures are expected to return to the upper 20s to low 30s before rain or snow arrives. Given these warmer conditions, there could be concerns for a mix of rain, freezing rain, or sleet. Still, a lot can change between now and then, but it's something to keep in mind.![]()
![]()
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!
The record low temperature for December 4th is -13 degrees, measured at the Faribault airport back in 1991. We will come VERY close to reaching that number, with a forecast low temperature of -12. Do you think we'll end up colder than the 1991 record?
It's a slightly warmer start to the day today, with temperatures at 25 degrees at 6 am. A north-northwest wind at 6 miles per hour creates a wind chill of 18 degrees, with relative humidity at 86 percent and barometric pressure rising rapidly.![]()
![]()
Looking back at this date in history, the record high was 61 degrees in 1982, while 1985 only reached a high of 4 degrees. The record low plummeted to -23 degrees back in 1940. Further south in Albert Lea, 1998 saw an exceptional 67 degrees on this very day.![]()
![]()
Rice County faces an active hazardous weather outlook, primarily due to extreme cold. Forecast lows tonight will range from -5 to -15 degrees, with wind chills dropping to -15 to -25 overnight into early Thursday morning. Although these conditions may not meet headline warning criteria, the impacts of very cold conditions are significant. Please take all necessary precautions if you must be outdoors, dressing in layers and limiting exposure to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.![]()
![]()
Despite some clearing skies today, temperatures will steadily fall through the day, reaching around 7 degrees by 5 pm and continuing to drop into negative single digits and teens late tonight. This marks the first widespread sub-zero morning of the season for Thursday. Winds will generally be light, 2 to 5 miles per hour, but still contribute to those dangerous wind chills.![]()
![]()
Clouds will return Thursday with scattered snow showers developing Thursday night into Friday morning, especially north of I-94. Accumulations are expected to be minor, generally an inch or less. Temperatures will see a slight increase on Friday, reaching the mid-upper 20s, but this brief warm-up will be short-lived.![]()
![]()
A cold front will move through Friday night into Saturday, bringing temperatures back into the teens for the weekend. Another chance of light snow is expected on Saturday, mainly south of I-94, with minor accumulations of an inch or less. Beyond the weekend, calmer weather is anticipated Sunday through Tuesday, with temperatures potentially returning to near-normal levels early next week. We are also monitoring indications of a larger, more defined storm system forming for the middle of next week, which bears watching.![]()
![]()
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.
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.![]()
![]()
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.![]()
![]()
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.![]()
![]()
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.![]()
![]()
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.![]()
![]()
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!
efb_feed fanpage_id=”riceskywarn” type=”page” skin_id=”2033″ words_limit=”750″ links_new_tab=”1″ efbl_post_limit=”15″ efbl_caption_words=”1″ efbl_cache_unit=”3″ efbl_cache_duration=”minutes”