Tranquil Tuesday ahead; A shot at our first 70 Wednesday

Monday’s weather drama featured severe-level winds gusts, small hail and feisty rain showers across the Upper Midwest.

Here are some of the many storm reports of high winds and hail that rolled in Monday afternoon.

Keep in mind the National Weather Service gust criteria for a severe thunderstorm is 58 mph. Many of these were non-thunderstorm wind gusts that approached severe levels.

• 4 NNE EAU Claire [Chippewa Co, WI] ASOS reports TSTM WND GST of M63 MPH at 5:09 PM CDT -- ASOS STATION KEAU EAU CLAIRE AP.

• 3 SSE Cedar Falls [Dunn Co, WI] AWOS reports TSTM WND GST of M58 MPH at 4:55 PM CDT -- AWOS STATION KLUM MENOMONIE AP.

• Menomonie [Dunn Co, WI] AMATEUR RADIO reports TSTM WND DMG at 4:45 PM CDT -- SEVERAL TRESS DOWN, POWER POLES BROKEN.

• 2 ESE ST. Paul [Ramsey Co, MN] ASOS reports TSTM WND GST of M56 MPH at 4:12 PM CDT -- ASOS STATION KSTP ST. PAUL DWTN AP.

• Hudson [St. Croix Co, WI] PUBLIC reports TSTM WND GST of M57 MPH at 4:20 PM CDT --

• 1 SW Rosemount [Dakota Co, MN] PUBLIC reports HAIL of pea size (E0.25 INCH) at 4:47 PM CDT

• 1 W Circle Pines [Anoka Co, MN] PUBLIC reports HAIL of pea size (M0.25 INCH) at 4:52 PM CDT

Tranquil Tuesday

Our weather mellows Tuesday behind today’s feisty cold front. Abundant sunshine and light winds will make for a minder and gentler day. Notice the huge temperature contrast across Minnesota from 30s northeast to 60s southwest. Minnesota continues to ride the boundary between late winter and spring.

A shot at 70 Wednesday

Wednesday might actually make some spring believers. Highs top 70 in southwest Minnesota, and some bank thermometers the Twin Cities may flash 70 Wednesday afternoon.

The rest of the week looks cooler but still springlike.