By Jonathan Cohen 

Last week started mild but turned very cool as we saw our latest accumulating Jonathan
Cohensnow since 2002, when 2.5 inches fell on April 27.

For the week, temperatures were almost 9 degrees below average. While we had mostly rain from the storm, parts of northern and west central Minnesota received very heavy snow. Pelican Rapids received 18 inches of snow, which is a state record for so late in the season, according to the State Climatology Office.

Heavy snow is possible even into May, with three different storms having dropped 12 inches of snow in the state. On May 20, 1892, 3 inches of snow fell in the Twin Cities.

The outlook is for another major storm to bring thunderstorms and then cold rain before and into the weekend. The precipitation could end as snow, even here, but no accumulation is likely. However, parts of northern Minnesota could see some accumulation. Heavy snow is likely in western South Dakota, especially in the Black Hills.

Temperatures should return to about average by the middle of next week, when there is a chance of more showers and thunderstorms. There is no sign of 70-degree readings for next week.

 Jonathan Cohen is the Prior Lake observer for the Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District.