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Models keep pushing temps higher Sunday

Close to 70 in southern Minnesota Sunday?

High temperature forecast Sunday afternoon
High temperature forecast Sunday afternoon
NOAA

A quick post about Sunday’s potential temperatures.

All systems seem to be “go” for the warmest temperatures of 2020 so far Sunday afternoon across most of Minnesota. The Twin Cities hit 50 degrees last Sunday. Forecast models suggest we may be at least 10 degrees warmer this Sunday.

Temperature forecast for Twin Cities
Temperature forecast for Twin Cities
NOAA via Weather Bell

Good timing on the weekend.

Stars lining up

All the major weather elements appear to be lining up to achieve warmth Sunday afternoon. First, we need a big ridge of high pressure in the upper atmosphere across the Upper Midwest. Check.

Upper air forecast map for 6 pm March 7
Upper air forecast map for 6 pm March 7
NOAA

Next, we need abundant March sunshine and increasingly bare ground to maximize the sun’s rays to warm the lower atmosphere. So far trends look favorable.

And finally, the “thermal ridge” within the warmest air mass should reach Minnesota Sunday midday or afternoon. That also looks likely.

High temperature forecast Sunday afternoon
High temperature forecast Sunday afternoon
NOAA

If everything goes as currently laid out by forecast models, the Twin Cities should exceed 60 degrees, and parts of southern Minnesota could get close to 70 Sunday afternoon.

Stay tuned.