Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

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We’re riding a temperature roller coaster in Minnesota this week. And meteorologists are looking ahead at a big valley in the distance. The meteorological signpost up ahead is next week’s Arctic outbreak. 

And it could end up being the coldest week of winter.

Forecasting temperatures patterns accurately is largely dependant on accurate placement of big upper-level airwaves called Rossby Waves. I 

Next week’s upper air forecasts still project troughing over the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. That means a cold shot of subzero air is still likely next week. 

The bigger questions are how cold? And for how long?

NOAA’s 16-day GFS temperature output still latches onto a string of subzero mornings next week. We may also feel a couple of days where temperatures struggle to make the zero mark in the afternoon.

Yesterday this model output cranked out minus 30 for the coldest temperature at MSP Airport next week. This morning’s run settled at negative 23. Still repeatably cold, but not quite as barbaric.

So It still looks like next week could challenge for the coldest week of winter. Let’s see how the model runs handle the depth and duration of next week’s Arctic adventure.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

Subzero cold still on track for next week in Minnesota.

Birds take flight over the frigid waters below the Rum River Dam.

David Joles | Star Tribune via AP

Huttner, Paul

Upper air forecast map for 6 pm January 15

NOAA

NOAA GFS model 16-day temperature outlook for Minneapolis 

Gauging next week's Arctic outbreak

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