Southern Minnesota under a freeze warning as cold air spreads

Colder air moves across Minnesota Thursday, pushing temperatures below freezing for even southern parts of the state by Friday morning. A weekend weather system will bring light rain and possibly snow.

Thursday’s forecast

Northerly winds are funneling colder air across the state Thursday. Despite mostly sunny skies, this will keep parts of northern Minnesota in the 40s, and much of the rest of the rest of the state in the 50s. 

A couple of spots in southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, may get to 60 before getting the full influence of the colder air on Friday.

The weather will remain mostly dry across the state. A system passing south of Minnesota increases clouds for southern Minnesota in the afternoon and brings a very slight chance for the southern border to see isolated light rain in the afternoon.

Breezy conditions plus dry air and low humidity will increase the fire risk for much of the state Thursday afternoon. Parts of northeastern Minnesota may see relative humidity dip under 20 percent during the afternoon, which is very dry. 

Cold weather moves in

So much cold air will continue to spread across Minnesota overnight even portions of southern Minnesota could dip below freezing.

Because of that, most of southern Minnesota is under a freeze warning for Friday morning. 

With the cold air spreading across Minnesota, not only could there be a frost for southern Minnesota Friday morning, but most highs will only make it into the 40s. This puts the state 10 to 20 degrees below average despite sunshine through the day. It will feel even colder at times due to breezy conditions.

The cold air Friday and clear skies overnight means southern Minnesota could see some temperatures fall below freezing again Saturday morning. 

Another freeze warning could be issued for the area for that time period (it is already under a freeze watch).

Temperatures warm slightly by Saturday, with more highs in the 50s, but that is still below average. Most of the week ahead stays 5 to 20 degrees below average. Overnight lows also remain cold, and another frosty morning is possible for southern Minnesota next Monday or Tuesday.

Precipitation remains limited

The state can also expect below-average rain for the next week. Our next chance for widespread showers comes Saturday into Sunday, but moisture with that system looks limited and it may miss northeastern Minnesota entirely. 

While it will be mostly light rain that moves across the state, as the precipitation moves in Saturday morning it could be cold enough for light, non-accumulating snow to mix in.

The same thing could happen Sunday morning, with a little light snow mixing in overnight during the coldest hours. Any lingering rain or snow is likely to clear out by Sunday morning. Rain accumulation will remain light, with most places seeing trace amounts totaling up to one-quarter inch of rain.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.