From 40s to 70s, major temperature swings ahead
A cold front brings rain and possibly snow by Friday
Temperatures go on a major rollercoaster ride in upcoming days, with highs ranging from 15 degrees below average to 70s. The weather pattern also turns wetter early next week.
Wednesday’s forecast
Under predominantly clear skies overnight, especially in central and southern Minnesota, and a continued cool wind flow from the northwest, Wednesday started off frosty.
Morning temperatures ranged in the upper teens and 20s, with a few readings near 30 around the Twin Cities.
Highs stay below average by 5 to 15 degrees, but with most of the state making it at least into the mid-40s, that is slightly milder than Tuesday, especially for northern Minnesota. The western edge of the state will likely see a few temperatures make it into the low 50s.
Skies stay mostly sunny to partly cloudy through the morning, then southern Minnesota has more clouds develop into the afternoon, with a very isolated chance for a couple sprinkles.
Extended forecast
Thursday is Earth Day, and it brings pleasant weather for any outdoor activities. Almost all of Minnesota makes it into the 60s with mostly sunny skies.
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A cold front makes its way across Minnesota Friday, pushing highs back into the 50s. Then, even colder air settles-in Saturday, with most of the state stuck in the 40s and the Metro struggling to hit 50.
That system also brings light rain showers across the state Friday into early Saturday, and especially early Saturday morning, so light snow may mix in across northern Minnesota.
Following the cooler weekend, the weather pattern turns active again, with several rounds of rain possible from Sunday through Wednesday.
That pattern shift also brings warmer weather early next week, with 70s possible in southern Minnesota Monday and Tuesday.
Here is that temperature trend for the Twin Cities showing those “rollercoaster” temperatures:
The second half of next week shows indications of cooler weather returning again, so be prepared for another swing in that active temperature trend!
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.