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70 degrees with a shot at 80? Warmest air mass in 5 months next week

Parts of Minnesota likely to hit 70 degrees next week for the first time since November.

NOAA GFS temperature forecast for 3 pm Sunday April 4
NOAA GFS temperature forecast for 3 pm Sunday April 4
NOAA via pivotal weather

The last weekend in March is upon us. Ron Trenda did a good job laying out the weekend forecast. So let’s cut to the chase and tell you what you want to hear about next week.

Parts of Minnesota are likely to hit 70 degrees for the first time in about five months. The last time we hit 70 in the Twin Cities was Nov. 8, 2020.

Two shots at 70 degrees

The Twin Cities and most of southern and western Minnesota will have two chances to hit 70 next week, with a cool-down in between.

The first warm surge arrives Monday. Gusty southwest winds will pump in warmer air Monday. Highs are likely to hit 70 in southwest Minnesota. The mercury may nudge 70 as far east as the Twin Cities Monday afternoon.

Forecast high temperatures Monday
Forecast high temperatures Monday
NOAA

Tuesday cold front

Monday’s warmth is a one-hit weather wonder. A strong cold front sweeps through Minnesota Tuesday. Highs return into the 30s and 40s for most of Minnesota Tuesday through Thursday.

Forecast high temperatures Wednesday
Forecast high temperatures Wednesday
NOAA

Friday warm front

Another warm front sweeps into Minnesota next Friday. Highs should again push well into the 60s, with 70 degrees on our western doorstep.

Forecast high temperatures Friday
Forecast high temperatures Friday, April 2
NOAA

Balmy first weekend of April?

The temperature numbers for the first weekend of April look like good tonic for the Minnesota weather soul. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GFS model has been pretty consistent in cranking out highs of at least 70 degrees by April 3 and 4.

Friday morning’s (12Z) GFS run is painting some summer-like warmth across Minnesota next weekend. Highs in the mid-70s in the Twin Cities with temps near 80 degrees in western Minnesota?

NOAA GFS temperature forecast for 3 pm Sunday April 4
NOAA GFS temperature forecast for 3 pm Sunday April 4
NOAA via pivotal weather

These numbers could be a bit optimistic, but it’s looking increasingly likely we’ll see 70s in much of Minnesota for the first weekend in April.

A guy can dream.