Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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Following a cold and frosty start Tuesday, temperatures finally return to seasonable warmth that lasts through the weekend. Rain chances also return by the weekend.

A broad area of high pressure is sitting directly over Minnesota Tuesday.  

This brought clear skies and light to calm winds overnight, and that combination allowed temperatures to plummet. Although some of southern Minnesota clung to the 30s, most of the state started in the 20s, including reports as far south as Worthington and Albert Lea. 

Northern Minnesota even saw a few teens. This made for a frosty start for much of the state, and International Falls even tied a record cold temperature at 21 degrees.

However, the same light winds and clear skies let temperatures surge by Tuesday afternoon.  Almost the entire state will make it into the 60s for highs under plentiful sunshine.

By Wednesday, the center of the high pressure slides slightly east of Minnesota. This brings light winds from the south which makes for a much milder start Wednesday, with most of Minnesota expected to start the day in the 30s. 

Highs also nudge a couple degrees warmer, from the lower 60s expected Tuesday to mid and upper 60s Wednesday.  

This finally puts southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities back near average after spending the past week cooler than normal for May. Temperatures then stay seasonably mild through the weekend.

Here is that Twin Cities forecast through Sunday:

Next week is projected to turn even warmer, with 60s, 70s, and possibly the return of a few 80s.

In terms of precipitation, the high pressure keeps Minnesota dry through Thursday morning, but as the high continues to move off, light rain chances return by Thursday afternoon. Spotty showers are also possible Friday, Saturday, and could be a more widespread Sunday.  

However, rain totals are currently forecast to stay lower, with most of the state expected to see less than one-quarter inch through the weekend. 

Any rain will be very beneficial as Minnesota has been much drier than normal so far this month.

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

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Nicole Mitchell 

Author

Following a cold and frosty start Tuesday, temperatures finally return to seasonable warmth that lasts through the weekend. Rain chances also return by the weekend.


Seasonable May warmth makes a comeback

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