Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings issued for Twin Cities metro area

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

The lines at your local Dairy Queen get longer this week.

The warmest air in over 4 months blows into Minnesota by Friday. November 1 was the last time the thermometer at MSP Airport hit 50 degrees. Temperatures push 50 degrees again by Thursday and Friday afternoon. They blow past 50 Saturday. We hit a temperature speed bump Monday before another surge of mild air arrives next week.

We've covered the many factors that drive flood levels in spring. Snowmelt. Temperatures. Rainfall. The flood wildcard that's most difficult to predict?

 beyond flood forecast stage when ice jams suddenly create a wall that water has to go around.

https://twitter.com/NWSTwinCities/status/1108038094282993664

This NWS hydrograph shows how the Cottonwood River at New Ulm rose suddenly to major flood stage, then fell again to near the previous level as the ice jam apparently cleared.

 from the North Central River Forecast Center. These hydrologists are co-located with the Twin Cities NWS Office in Chanhassen. Remember these numbers can go suddenly higher if ice jams develop.

The Minnesota Twins have been remarkably lucky with opening day weather at Target Field.

There have been no rainouts or 'cold-outs' on opening day since Target Field opened in 2010. Last year was the 2nd coldest opening day with 39 degrees at first pitch. Many years have featured temperatures in the 50s and even 60s.

 from the Minnesota DNR Climate Working Group.

The early forecast for next week suggests temperatures in the (upper?) 50s for opening day next Thursday.

If the mercury manages to hit 60 degrees next Thursday, that would make half of the first 10 opening day games at Target Field in the 60s. The Twins have had a remarkable run of weather luck on opening day.

Warmest air in 4 months ahead; 50s for Twins opening day?

Go Deeper.

Like this?