A major thaw begins this weekend
Snow and rain chances stay sparse
After a chilly start for much of Minnesota Friday morning, the entire state is in for a big warm-up this weekend and beyond.
Friday’s weather
Friday started off with a huge temperature contrast across the state. Under clear skies and calm winds, northern Minnesota began Friday cold, with some temperatures colder than minus 20. Meanwhile, southern Minnesota had some temperatures stay 20 above or milder. By the afternoon, the entire state will warm into to 20s, with a few 30s possible, especially for southwestern Minnesota.
Most of the state will be sunny in the afternoon.
Warming up
Weekend temperatures shoot well above average again, with statewide highs in the 30s and 40s.
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A cold front moves across the state Sunday that will increase the winds and cause a slight temperature drop Monday, bringing temperatures closer to average. The weather trends warmer again already by Tuesday and the rest of next week stays above average. Here is the temperature outlook for the Twin Cities:
Even the long-range outlook for the second week of March shows we are likely to stay above average.
There will be significant melting in the next couple of weeks.
Precipitation chances
Precipitation chances through next week look very limited. Sunday’s front could bring isolated sprinkles, then a couple disturbances will move across the state in the middle of next week.
Those could bring light chances for rain or snow, but right now there are no significant storms in the forecast.
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.