Forecast models: 60s to near 70 next week?

NOAA 6 to 10-day temperature outlook
Six- to 10-day temperature outlook
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

File this one under wishful thinking for many Minnesotans.

The major forecast models agree on what looks like a significant warmup for Minnesota next week. And as if medium-range forecasts don’t present enough uncertainty, this warmup appears to peak around April 1. How lovely.

Mild upper-air pattern

Next week’s upper-air maps still look mild. The jet stream lifts north into Canada. A mild flow of Pacific air dominates next week and extends through the first weekend of April.

NOAA upper air forecast map for 7 pm April 5
Upper-air forecast map for 7 p.m., April 5
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

If this pattern verifies, we can expect a string of days well into the 50s and 60s next week. A few models even hint at temperatures in the 70s for parts of Minnesota next week.

Here’s the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model temperature outlook for 1 p.m. on April 1.

European model (ECMWF) temperature forecast 1 pm Wednesday, April 1
European model temperature forecast for 1 p.m., April 1
European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, via pivotal weather

The American models agree with 60s next week, and even a few 70s.

NOAA GFS model 16-day temperature outlook for Twin Cities
16-day temperature outlook for Twin Cities
NOAA Global Forecast System model, via Meteostar

Stay tuned.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.