Balmy Friday kicks off unusual December warming trend
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We're running out of red on the weather maps.
Pacific breezes blow Friday, establishing a warming trend that looks to last for most of the next two weeks. Bank thermometers compete to see who can flash 50 degrees in the next week. Snow piles do their best Wicked Witch of the West imitations the next few afternoons.
What a world indeed.
Pacific breeze
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This is how you warm up a Minnesota in winter. Steer winds from Seattle instead of Siberia and you get temperatures 5, 10, even 20 degrees above average. Here's the map, featuring a westerly breeze with alternating warm fronts and anemic Pacific "cool" fronts that cools us only back to slightly above average.
Fun with 40s
The forecast numbers continue to astound. Keep in mind the average high temperature in the Twin Cities is 29 degrees by next Tuesday. With consistent highs in the 40s and a shot at 50 degrees late next week, we're pushing the temperature envelope 10 to 20 degrees warmer than average through next week. We set the weather dial on freeze-thaw the next week with days in the 40s and nights (barely) below freezing. A little morning fog gives way to December sunshine.
The medium range forecast models still scream warm into mid-month. Here's the GFS, painting a scenario warm enough for a soaking rain around December 12.
Odds of a white Christmas?
Historically the there's a 75 percent chance for a white Christmas in the Twin Cities. That chance increases to about 100 percent by the time you hit the BWCA.
This year I'd put the odds of a white Christmas much lower in the Twin Cities. Right now I'd say it less than 50 percent. But we still have plenty of time to spin up a late December snowfall on the maps, so snow lovers can hold out hope.
Hockey anyone?
One thing I'm personally bummed about is the lack of decent outdoor ice. My Friday night hockey crew was already in its second week by this time the past two years. Rinkwatch keeps track of skateable outdoor ice. Too many red hockey player icons for my taste this year.
Looks like indoor ice (again) this weekend.
