Temperatures trend colder much of the week

Snow chances stay light until the weekend

Minnesota goes on a temperature rollercoaster this week, from highs climbing back into the 30s to the coldest weather so far this month.

Monday’s forecast

Like the trend for most of January so far, Minnesota started Monday off milder than average with morning temperatures in the single-digits and teens, with a few 20s south. 
However, under a northwest wind drawing in cooler air, those temperatures warm little through the day.  In fact, some places, including the Twin Cities, may not warm at all Monday with highs ranging from single-digits north to low 20s south.

weather graphic
7:00 a.m. Monday radar
National Weather Service

A weak disturbance brings a very spotty, light snow chance across Minnesota.  Most places would see no more than flurries to a dusting of snow, with anything measurable staying under one inch. 

Skies remain mostly cloudy, but there should be a few peaks of sun for most of the state, particularly in the afternoon.

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A temperature rollercoaster

Coming off the seasonably cold highs Monday, and with some clearing expected overnight, temperatures stay seasonably cold for Tuesday morning lows, with below-zero temperatures north and single-digits south.

weather graphic
Tuesday morning forecast lows
National Weather Service

In a typical January, this would not be noteworthy, but this January has been so mild, it will actually be the coldest night so far this month for most of Minnesota.  For example, the average low this time of year in the Twin Cities is 7, yet we have not seen any single-digit temperatures so far this January.  In northern Minnesota, the overnights have been even milder relative to average. International Falls has an average low of minus 7 and has not had any temperatures even fall below zero this month. 

After the colder day Tuesday, with the chilly morning, followed by highs varying from single-digits north to teens south, temperatures soar again. On Wednesday, almost the entire state will be back in the 30s.
Here is that forecast for the Twin Cities: 

weather graphic
Twin Cities forecast through Thursday
National Weather Service

Thursday also stays mild, and the same pattern warming Minnesota Wednesday and Thursday also brings breezy conditions both days.
Then temperatures go crashing back below-average late week, with highs likely only in the single-digits and teens again Friday and Saturday.

Snow chances

Unsettled weather could keep a couple flurries or light snow bands around on Tuesday, especially in western Minnesota, but no significant accumulation is expected. 

weather graphic
Tuesday morning forecast precipitation
National Weather Service

Another light snow area is forecast to clip northern Minnesota Wednesday. 

The most significant and widespread snow of the week is likely to target Minnesota Saturday into Sunday, with a storm that is currently expected to slide just south of the state. 

weather graphic
Forecast storm location early Sunday
Tropical Tidbits

That snowstorm has the potential to bring a few inches of snow. We will keep you updated as the exact track and potential snowfall become more certain!

Programming note

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