Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Best days to get outside? Saturday afternoon through Tuesday

Milder air returns next week. 60s and possibly 70s are still on the horizon

NOAA week three and four temperature outlook
NOAA week three and four temperature outlook
NOAA

How’s your self-isolation routine going?

I typically work from my home digital broadcast studio known as “The Huttner Weather Lab” about four days a week. So, my work routine hasn’t changed too much. But the rest of my life seems on hold.

I play hockey twice a week with two great groups of guys. The last time I skated was 12 days ago. I really, really miss that — and the fresh ice.

An outdoor ice rink in Deephaven, Minnesota in 2012
An outdoor ice rink in Deephaven, Minn., in 2012.
Paul Huttner | MPR News 2012

I play music with some great friends. We had to cancel two gigs last weekend. Our April gig was canceled Friday. My Telecaster and I are developing a deeper friendship at home these days.

Fender '52 Hot Rod Reissue Telecaster
Fender '52 Hot Rod Reissue Telecaster
Paul Huttner | MPR News

I’m still running on the Weather Lab treadmill, doing weights and taking neighborhood walks.

But I made the mistake of stepping on the scale today — plus 3 pounds. Ouch.

The good weather and exercise news? There are going to be several days in the next week favorable to get outside.

Saturday afternoon through Tuesday look great for a brisk walk, run, or bike ride. The medium-range weather maps still hint at 60 degrees in the next two weeks.

Wishing you health, wellness and finding those moments of fun in these difficult days. I’m grateful to still have work, and pulling for all of you who are facing — hopefully temporary — employment challenges.

Hang in there. Brighter days are ahead.

Back to the 50s

Our brisk interlude eases Sunday as temperatures begin to moderate. Highs in the low 50s return next week — just in time.

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

Rain to snow Wednesday?

The maps are cranking out notions of a possible rain-to-snow mix next Wednesday across parts of Minnesota. The American, European and Candian models present pretty similar solutions at this far away point.

NOAA GFS model Wednesday into Thursday
NOAA GFS model Wednesday into Thursday
NOAA via tropical tidbits

60s, possibly 70s in sight?

The medium-range weather maps continue to suggest a bigger warm up in seven to 14 days. The upper air forecast maps for next weekend still show a milder Pacific surge.

NOAA upper air forecast map for 7 pm March 28
NOAA upper air forecast map for 7 p.m. March 29
NOAA

NOAA’s GFS model has been cranking out highs in the 60s, and even a few 70s as April approaches. The numbers could be an optimistic early April Fools joke, but a weather guy can dream.

NOAA GFS model 16-day temperature outlook for Minneapolis
NOAA GFS model 16-day temperature outlook for Minneapolis
NOAA via Meteostar

NOAA’s updated week three and four outlook favors higher than average temperatures across the Upper Midwest and the central United States.

NOAA week 3 and 4 temperature outlook
NOAA week 3 and 4 temperature outlook
NOAA

Bring on spring baby.