Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Discussion 241

   Mesoscale Discussion 0241
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0540 AM CDT Sun Mar 15 2026

   Areas affected...Southeast MN...central/northern WI...and parts of
   Upper MI

   Concerning...Heavy snow 

   Valid 151040Z - 151515Z

   SUMMARY...Banded heavy snow with 1-2+ inch per hour rates will
   continue spreading east-northeastward through the morning hours.

   DISCUSSION...The latest mosaic radar data and surface observations
   indicate banded heavy snow extending across parts of southern MN
   into central WI, with the most intense portion of the band currently
   focused over parts of southeastern MN. Over the next several hours,
   the deep frontogenetic circulation and related mesoscale ascent that
   is supporting these heavy snowfall rates will continue spreading
   east-northeastward from southeastern MN across central/northern WI
   and eventually into Upper MI. Given the strong/focused lift and
   cold/deeply saturated profiles, an expansive area of 1 inch per hour
   snowfall rates can be expected. Beneath the core of the more
   organized banding, rates could exceed 2 inches per hour. Along the
   southern fringes of the heavy snow, a substantial warm nose and
   steep midlevel lapse rates/weak instability will continue to support
   convective elements with mixed winter precipitation (freezing rain
   and sleet) and widely scattered lightning flashes.

   ..Weinman.. 03/15/2026

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...MQT...GRB...DLH...ARX...MPX...

   LAT...LON   43809266 43879340 44109384 44619405 45059370 45339295
               46528927 46778794 46738705 46558630 46298601 45828591
               45128644 44648734 44328864 44109003 43939132 43809266