The thaw continues, but mornings stay icy
Highs in the 50s and possible 60s next week
A dry and mild pattern continues across Minnesota through the end of the week, causing the snow to erode quickly. That massive melt is contributing to concerns of black ice and fog.
Wednesday’s forecast
Following highs mostly in the 40s Tuesday, clear skies overnight allowed temperatures for most of the state to drop below freezing by Wednesday morning. Lows ranged from teens north to 20s south.
Because of all the melting Tuesday there were many wet areas that refroze, including puddles on the roads, so watch for black ice Wednesday morning. The thaw also provided moisture in the atmosphere for some spotty fog to develop, which will lift by midmorning.
Winds have died down since Tuesday, but without that strong southerly flow and with a couple more clouds, highs will be a few degrees cooler Wednesday. Afternoon temperatures will vary from the 30s north to 40s for most of the state, which is still well above average.
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Staying mild
With the thaw continuing into next week, be prepared for the continued cycle of melting during the day and refreezing causing icy areas in the mornings. That pattern is also likely to produce patchy fog the next few mornings, including again Thursday.
Highs Thursday through Saturday will be predominantly in the 40s, even for much of northern Minnesota, and skies stay mostly sunny. Parts of southern Minnesota, especially the southwest corner of the state, will even see a few 50s.
By Sunday, enough snow will have melted (snow cover can cap our temperatures from getting too high), and with breezy southerly winds again, much of the state will soar in to the 50s.
Here is that forecast for the Twin Cities:
Temperatures then stay warm next week, with highs in the 40s and 50s and a few 60s possible in southern Minnesota.
Rain returns
As mentioned, dry skies prevail through the end of the week.
The pattern finally shifts next week, with more chances for precipitation back in the forecast. While timing and the amount of moisture is still uncertain, it does appear anything that moves is likely to contain more rain than snow due to the mild temperatures.
The first widespread rain chance next week may come Tuesday, but again, that is almost a week away, so we will keep you updated.
Any rain would be beneficial to the dry conditions Minnesota has been experiencing, but it would also further erode any remaining snowpack.
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.