Region prepares for storm; NWS releases October outlook
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With a winter storm watch in effect through Thursday, many Minot residents let out a collective groan and reached for their parkas. While the snowfall is expected to taper off by Thursday evening, the forecast for the weekend is predicting bitterly cold highs of 23 degrees and lows in the single digits, with the conditions running through Halloween.
This weather system has put weekend trunk or treat events and high school playoff games alike in peril, with some events postponing or canceling in anticipation of the storm.
With six more inches of snow on the forecast this week, one community has taken it upon themselves to ensure their high school football field is in prime condition before the team takes the field. The undefeated Westhope/Newburg/Glenburn nine-man football team are set to square off in the quarter final round against the Grant County/Flasher Storm, but that campaign could be made difficult if the field is reduced to a barren mud-filled skating rink.
"One of our players' dad got a hold of me, brainstorming how we can keep the field ready for the game this weekend." Westhope High School athletic director Garret Wible said, "Somebody brought up using a silage tarp and we got some help with the price. A bunch of people are meeting out there tonight (Tuesday) and they're going to get it covered up."
The parent, Devin Tolstad, a Westhope-Newburg graduate and former player himself, said he and others felt spurred to take action given the successful run the team has been on. With the tarp secured, Tolstad and others put the call out on social media for people to bring bodies and spare tires to make sure the job gets done before the snow flies.
"We're flying by the seat of our pants but we have to do something before it gets all wet and sloppy in there. I've heard horror stories from the '70s about the ground getting wet and freezing. It basically turns into concrete and you can't get any grip." Tolstad said. "All three of the communities are enjoying the ride and are invested. That silage tarp was $4,500 and I had it paid for before 9 o'clock this morning."
NWS winter outlook
The weather outlook through the holidays into the new year looks likely to soften in the next few weeks, with another NWS report saying there's a good chance that ongoing El Nino conditions could last through winter.
The milder La Nina Autumns that have defined the last few years usually precipitate a sharp drop into prolonged colder temperatures during the winter according to the National Weather Service. The agency's outlook indicated confidence was high that the El Nino is growing in strength, with a 30% chance of becoming "historically" strong, which could result in a more gradual transition into colder temperatures.
El Nino events typically favor warmer and drier conditions during the winter across North Dakota, which is hardly welcome news to a region still shaking off drought conditions for most of the last year. The NWS said the odds are slightly tilted toward below normal precipitation this winter, but noted that a single significant blizzard can pump up the numbers for total seasonal snowfall or boosted on springtime snowstorms.
The preliminary outlook for spring indicates trends for above normal temperatures and equal chances for above or below normal precipitation.