WEATHER: Winter storm expected to hit east, southeast of Red River region

MINNEAPOLIS — From boots to snowblowers, Minnesotans and Wisconsinites -- excluding the Red River region -- are preparing for a return to winter-like weather. And, it'll be here sooner rather than later.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Saturday that includes a large portion of the state, from southwestern to northeastern Minnesota and into northwestern Wisconsin.

Forecasters say winds will also be gusty, producing wind chills in the 20s.

The Grand Forks area, meanwhile, expects a mostly sunny Saturday with highs in the low 40s. Today looks to be mostly sunny, too, and slightly warmer, according to the National Weather Service. Its forecast:

This Afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. South southwest wind around 10 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. South southwest wind around 10 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Southwest wind around 8 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Southwest wind around 7 mph.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41. West southwest wind between 7 and 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

Monday Night: Cloudy, with a low around 27.

Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36.

Tuesday Night: A chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 27.

Wednesday: A slight chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 34.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

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