GRIN & BEAR IT.  The northern tier of the state is in the crosshairs for the approaching winter storm, with amounts up to 10 inches possible in some parts of northwestern ND.  The gradient sets up hard along the I-94 corridor, and Bismarck could see anywhere from a trace to four inches, depending on system wobble.  We get ready for the storm and look ahead to its effects on fishing and hunting in today’s Three Things.

(Featured Photo: Ole the lab squints in the sun and “smiles” over a rooster taken on some PLOTS near Regan, N.D. Simonson Photo)

DAILY CONDITIONS:

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Wed 12/20 – Workin’ on a White Xmas  Hi 26, Lo 20, Winds E@18, G27.
Tomorrow:  Thu 12/21 – Ice making weather. Hi 13, Lo 3, Winds L&V

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):
Sunrise: 8:25AM Sunset: 4:57PM
Moonrise: 10:00AM Moonset 7:23PM
Overhead: 2:40M Underfoot: 2:16AM
Moon Phase:  Waxing Crescent (5% Full)

EDGE HOUR:   8:00-9:00AM.  The front will be on its way through so you may see some movement at sunrise during the Edge Hour.  Winds will be gusty though.

DAY RATING:

THREE THINGS.

BULLSEYE.  The NAM model paints Lake Sakakawea and the surrounding area red with up to 10 inches of snow over the next 3.5 days from the approaching weather maker.  See how hard the bars set up on the southern edge?  Everything north and west of Bismarck will get plastered, everything south won’t.

BIG CHILL.  Following the system will come a rush of cold air – we’re talking single digit lows and teens for highs, with forecasts for below-zero lows on Christmas morning.  Calm winds Thursday into Friday will help with ice formation, and continued cold after freeze up will continue the trend.  Fire up the auger, if you haven’t already!

BUNKER DOWN.  While you’re socked in with family this weekend, area deer populations will be as well.  If you can take the teens as high temps, the calm of Thursday evening may be a good candidate for a last-ditch bow hunt, otherwise it’s looking gusty and cold until after the holiday.  If you’re after upland, just throw on an extra layer and let us know how deep the snow is.

Stay Sharp!