MADISON, Wis. – A snowstorm that will likely be remembered for years, it moved through the Midwest Thanksgiving weekend bringing significant snow to central and southern Wisconsin. Let’s breakdown what caused this record setting snow.
Snow measurement in Fall River from Debbie Klecker
Beginning late Friday, November 28th, lasting through the morning hours on Sunday, November 30th, a large low pressure system moved through the Midwest. The prolonged snow event brought significant snow to parts of southern Wisconsin; many across the area reported at least 10″ of snow and set a new daily snowfall record for Madison. Let’s breakdown the atmospheric set up that lead to such an impressive snowstorm.
Beginning on November 27th, a strong low pressure system began to move its way out of the Pacific Northwest into northern parts of the Rockies. Over the Midwest, a trough was overhead allowing for a cold pool of air to develop and sit. By November 28th, while still cold across the Midwest, southerly winds were beginning to return across parts of the central and southern Plains as the low pressure system continued over the Rockies into western parts of Montana and the Dakotas.
925mb observation on November 27th in the morning, surface low off Washington coast
300mb observation on November 27th in the morning, showing trough over Midwest…