Blizzard warnings in Northwest Minnesota, winter weather advisories across the state

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Get ready for another wild temperature swing Minnesota.

Last weekend brought  temperatures of minus 40 to minus 50 in northern Minnesota. By next Monday temperatures will reach the upper 30s — above zero — up north. That means temperatures will be as much as 85 degrees warmer in locations like Ely next Monday than it was last weekend. 

The Twin Cities and western Minnesota will bask in highs in the 40s early next week. Temperatures could reach 50 degrees in western Minnesota.

The reason for the big change in air masses over the next week is a major shift in the upper air pattern across North America. Last weekend’s upper air chart shows a frigid compact polar vortex core spinning across northern Minnesota. Note the second cold core heading for Texas.

By next week, a mild Pacific flow pattern aloft allows much milder air into the Upper Midwest.

Medium-range temperature guidance suggests highs in the 30s and 40s will dominate most of next week in Minnesota. 

With a higher sun angle and temperature sin the 40s, we’ll start to see some snowmelt next week in Minnesota. 

We know we’ll see more snow and potential subzero cold in March. But signs strongly suggest we are leaving the worst of winter’s subzero 

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

A major warming trend heads for Minnesota starting Sunday.

NOAA/Twin Cities National Weather Service

NOAA

NOAA via tropical tidbits

Upper air forecast map for 6 pm February 24

Whiplash: Monday will be 80 degrees warmer than last weekend up north.

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