Minneapolis - As residents of Minnesota gear up for a major winter storm, Saturday will provide a brief respite before the weather takes a turn for the worse. On Sunday, a significant winter storm is expected to hit the state, leading to widespread travel issues and potential snowfall rates of 1-to-2 inches per hour, accompanied by gusts up to 40 mph.

According to NEXT Weather Meteorologists, high temperatures on Saturday will reach the mid-30s as a high-pressure system exits to the east. Later in the evening, a few light snow showers are forecasted, predominantly south of Interstate 94, resulting in a light coating by Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for areas north of a line from New Ulm to Red Wing, from Sunday through Tuesday. The snow is expected to intensify throughout Sunday morning, with the heaviest rounds occurring during the afternoon and evening. This intense snowfall, combined with strong winds, will create challenging shoveling conditions, as the snow will be heavy and wet.

By midnight Sunday, NEXT Weather Meteorologists predict that the metro area could accumulate between 6 and 10 inches of snow. However, areas to the north and west, such as Marshall, Alexandria, and Brainerd, could witness more than a foot of snowfall.

Further complicating the forecast is the arrival of warm air along Interstate 90 by 9 p.m. Sunday. This warm air is anticipated to reach the metro area by Monday morning, resulting in a transition from snow to rain. Although this change in precipitation may reduce snow totals in the southeast, it is unlikely to affect the northern and western parts of the state, where snow accumulation may continue well into Monday evening.

The precise timing and movement of the warm air remain uncertain, making it difficult to determine exactly when and where the transition from snow to rain will occur.

Following the winter storm, a high-pressure system is expected to return on Wednesday, bringing much calmer weather conditions from Wednesday through Friday.

Minnesotans are urged to stay updated on the rapidly changing weather conditions and prepare accordingly for the upcoming winter storm.