Very warm weather continues through the weekend; sharply colder next week
It looks as though we will be treated to this crazy November heat wave right through the upcoming weekend.
Record high temperatures likely on Friday
A gusty southerly surge of unseasonably warm air will bring record and near-record temperatures for Friday. Afternoon high temperatures will be in the 60s to low 70s across most of northern Minnesota. Duluth should warm to near 70 degrees which would match the record high for this date (2016).
Balmy 70s to low 80s will blanket about the southern half of the state. The northwestern corner of the state will be a bit cooler with highs probably in the upper 50s around Hallock, Warroad and Roseau.
The Twin Cities record high for this date of 73 (1893) is likely to fall. A gusty south wind should push the afternoon high to about 75. The average high for this date is 47.
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One area of meteorological concern is for west central and southwestern Minnesota where a fire weather watch has been posted for Friday afternoon. A combination of very warm, dry air boosting high temperatures into the upper 70s and low 80s along with gusty winds up to around 30 to 35 mph will create dangerous conditions for potential rapidly spreading wildfires in those areas, especially along the Buffalo Ridge.
Balmy weekend
This delightful warmth will stay with us through the weekend. Gusty winds will spread from southern Minnesota to northern parts of the state by Sunday.
Sunday will be your deadline day to complete most yardwork and gutter cleaning. And try to take some time to just enjoy.
Back to November reality next week
The weekend will end with a sharp Canadian cold front Sunday night. That front will trigger areas of rain and possibly thunderstorms Sunday night into Monday. It will also be the leading edge of much colder air.
Temperatures will fall from northwest to southeast across the state on Monday. Note the extent of the colder air as it begins to arrive on Monday.
Tuesday is likely to have the coldest afternoons next week, possibly with a little rain or light snow thrown in for fun.
Temperatures should moderate a bit later next week and climb a little closer to normal.