Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

The cold is back, but it doesn't last long

Temperatures will soar into the 60s and 70s again by the weekend

Following record warmth Monday, much colder air is gripping the state Tuesday. However, the chillier trend is brief, with very mild weather returning for the weekend.

Gusty southerly winds warmed much of Minnesota into the 60s and 70s, with a few 80s in southwest. In fact, the town of Madison reported a high of 84 Monday, which, if confirmed, would set a new statewide record high for March 29th.

Tuesday’s forecast

The same storm that funneled that warm air in Monday pushed a cold front through Minnesota Monday evening and into the overnight. 

This sent temperatures diving, although Tuesday morning temperatures were still slightly above average, ranging from the 20s north to 30s south.

Winds remain very gusty, and much of the state will continue to see gusts over 30 and 40 mph Tuesday. 

Here are the temperatures and winds as of 8:45 a.m. (each barb on the wind vane represents 10 mph and half barbs are 5 mph, with gusts in red):

weather graphic
8:45 a.m. Tuesday winds and temperatures
National Weather Service

The front that passed through was mostly dry, but there have been a couple sprinkles south and flurries north, and skies stay mostly cloudy.

Temperatures rise little during the day, with most of the state seeing highs only in the 30s, and the gusty winds will make it feel even colder. 

It will be a noticeably chillier contrast from Monday!

Turning warmer again

Wednesday also stays cooler, with highs in the 30s, however winds will not be as gusty, so there will be less of a wind chill.

Southerly winds return by Thursday, putting much of Minnesota back into the 40s.  Temperatures continue to climb Friday through Sunday, with widespread 60s and even 70s likely by the weekend!

Here is that forecast for the Twin Cities:

weather graphic
Twin Cities forecast through Sunday
Weather.us

Staying dry

Other than any spotty precipitation Tuesday, most of Minnesota can expect dry and sunny skies through the weekend. 

It currently looks like the pattern should turn more active at the beginning of next week, with rain and possibly thunderstorms back in the forecast.

weather graphic
Forecast weather pattern on Monday
Tropical Tidbits

Programming note

 You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.