Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Frosty this week, 70s and thunder next week?

Freezing temperatures are still common in Minnesota in April.

Probability of the last spring freeze at MSP Airport
Probability of the last spring freeze at MSP Airport
Data via Minnesota DNR Climate Working Group

I know some gardeners in Minnesota who are itching to get started planting this time of year. You may want to wait a little longer to scratch that itch.

Keep in mind the average date of the last 32-degree temperature in spring at MSP Airport is April 25. The suburbs often see frost in early May.

And the last freezing temperatures of spring in northern Minnesota often occur from late May into June.

Median date of last spring 32-degree temperature
Median date of last spring 32-degree temperature
Midwest Regional Climate Center

Yes, summer is short at this latitude.

Frosty this week

Freezing temperatures visit Minnesota again this week. Overnight lows hover in the 20s to low 30s statewide Tuesday and Wednesday morning.

Forecast minimum temps Tuesday morning
Forecast minimum temps Tuesday morning
NOAA

Daytime highs struggle to climb out of the 40s through Wednesday.

Forecast high temperatures Tuesday
Forecast high temperatures Tuesday
NOAA

Thursday looks like the sunnier, slightly milder day this week. Highs will push the 60-degree mark Thursday afternoon across most of Minnesota.

Forecast high temperatures Thursday
Forecast high temperatures Thursday
NOAA

70s and thunder next week?

Next week’s forecast maps look interesting. A strong low-pressure system looks likely to develop and push north into Minnesota. That will push a warm air mass into the Midwest with highs into 60s and 70s pushing northward.

Forecast high temperatures Monday
Forecast high temperatures Monday, April 26
NOAA

There may also be a thunder threat, with widespread rains possible Tuesday into Wednesday.

Stay tuned.