A Friday flurry of snow led to a flurry of vehicle crashes.
Brainerd Police officers responded to several property damage crashes in the aftermath of the fresh snowfall and reported no injuries. All crashes were minor Friday morning.
Baxter Police reported a vehicle in the ditch at 7:35 a.m. on Memorywood and Highway 210 along with four vehicle crashes at 7:34 a.m. on College Road and Dogwood Drive, on Highland Scenic Road and Cedardale Lane and another on Memorywood and Highway 210 at 7:13 a.m.
The return of the sun helped clear roadways, but cold temperatures meant snow continued to cling to shaded grassy areas and in shoveled piles. Even with sunshine, temperatures didn't climb out of the 20s and there was actually a notable windchill-even in April-so it felt like 14 degrees or colder in the breeze. The normal high for this time of year is 50 degrees.
Light snow began falling in the Brainerd area before 6 a.m. and stopped before noon.
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But the Brainerd lakes area might count itself lucky. The National Weather Service noted an inch of snow was observed in Brainerd after Friday's flurries.
Snow showers, heavy at times, were expected to continue in the Arrowhead through Friday night. But the snowbelt of northern Wisconsin was anticipating 8 to 12 inches of snow and even higher localized amounts in Bayfield County.
The lakes area came close to setting a new record for the lowest high temperature Friday. The Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport records temperatures each hour. Just before midnight Thursday the recorded temperature was 31 degrees. The next reading early Friday was 29 degrees. During the day the temperature varied from the mid- to upper-20s. The coldest April 8 with the lowest maximum temperature was recorded at 27 degrees on April 8, 1989, according to the National Weather Service data.
Those who were looking forward to spring and summer and are less anxious to see winter extend its reach can take some consolation in the forecast. At least the sun should dominate the skies much of the weekend and into the week ahead.
First things first. A chance for snow continues Saturday, April 9, along with continued breezy conditions. Winds may gust as high as 30 mph. Windy conditions should continue into Sunday but the temperature promises to be warmer with a high of 48 degrees.
And that temperature should climb as the week progresses but not at the pace of a race car. Expect an acceleration more like a fully loaded station wagon. Monday's forecast is for a high of 38 degrees and wind. Tuesday's high may be 44 degrees. The temperature may climb to 54 Wednesday. By Thursday, it could be time to ditch all jackets and maybe the casual sweater as the high pushes into the 60s. And by Friday, with a high of 64 beneath mostly sunny skies, it could be time to get off work early and hit the tennis courts.
Jennifer Stockinger, staff writer, assisted with this story.
RENEE RICHARDSON, associate editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com . Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Dispatchbizbuzz .
