Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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A broad shift in the weather pattern brings warmer air across Minnesota and much higher precipitation chances as the week progresses.

Under the influence of high pressure and light to calm winds, central and southern Minnesota started Monday with areas of dense fog that have mostly lifted as of 9 a.m. 

The state began the day with lows in the 40s and 50s, and under mostly sunny skies, highs warm into the upper 70s and 80s.  

For the Twin Cities, a high near 80 is 10 degrees above average for this time of year, but in northern Minnesota, the forecast highs in the mid-80s are about 20 degrees above average.

Skies remain dry except a couple isolated showers or storms could pop up in the Arrowhead Monday afternoon. It will also turn a little breezier, especially in western Minnesota, by the afternoon.  

There could be a couple more areas of fog Tuesday morning, but it is not expected to be as thick as Monday. Morning lows will be predominantly in the 50s.  

A storm sliding south of the state is likely to bring some light rain showers to the southern half of Minnesota, especially Tuesday afternoon. 

That also brings more clouds south while northern Minnesota is likely to stay sunnier. The sunshine keeps northern Minnesota warmer, in the 80s again, while the rest of the state sees highs in the 70s.

Behind Tuesday’s system, a southerly flow opens up in the broad weather pattern. This draws in moisture and warm air all the way from the Gulf of Mexico.  

Temperatures for the rest of the week are expected to remain in the 70s and low 80s.  Here is that trend through Thursday for the Twin Cities: 

The most significant side of the pattern shift is the return of soaking rain. Minnesota has been very dry so far this May. For example, the average Twin Cites rainfall through May 16 (Sunday) is 1.93 inches, but this May there has only been .08 inches so far.

Rain chances increase from Wednesday to Thursday, with scattered showers and storms.  Periods of wet weather remain likely through the weekend.  Especially with any thunderstorms, there will be times of heavier rain.

Through the end of the week, most of Minnesota is forecast to get at least one-half inch of rain, with some places seeing over an inch of precipitation. 

This will be very beneficial given the recent dry conditions but limits sunshine the second half of the week.

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

A broad shift in the weather pattern brings warmer air across Minnesota and much higher precipitation chances as the week progresses.


Much wetter weather eyes Minnesota by midweek

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