Highs back in the 60s Thursday

Earth Day also brings widespread sunshine across Minnesota

Under the influence of high pressure and southwesterly winds, Minnesota returns to more typical springtime warmth Thursday.

Thursday’s forecast

High pressure has cleared out most of the lingering clouds of the past few days, and almost all of Minnesota is starting off with sunshine and sunny skies will dominate the day.

Often, clearer skies mean a chillier morning, but under a southwest wind flow, most of the state is starting Thursday in the 30s. This is noticeably milder than the past few mornings and closer to average morning temperatures for late April.

Seasonable temperatures continue afternoon, with almost all of the state making it into the 60s. 

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weather graphic
Thursday high temperatures
National Weather Service

This is right about average for southern Minnesota and a couple degrees above average north.

Winds become gustier by the afternoon, with gusts over 20 mph south, and northwestern Minnesota is likely to see gusts exceed 30 mph.

weather graphic
Thursday forecast wind gusts
National Weather Service

By the afternoon, humidities will fall into the 20 percent range, and the combination of dry, warm and windy weather elevates fire concerns. 

In northwestern Minnesota, humidity levels could drop into the teens, putting that area under a red flag warning from noon until 8 p.m.

A cold front Friday brings cooler weather back for the weekend. That extended forecast will be updated around 9 a.m.

Programming note

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