Minnesota stays warm the first full week of October

Sunny and warm weather prevail most of the week, but the same conditions are making for morning challenges with fog. A late week storm drops temperatures a little closer to average.

Monday’s forecast

In the large-scale weather pattern across the U.S., Minnesota is currently sitting under a broad ridge of higher pressure. This is responsible for dry and mild weather across the state.

However, with the clear skies and light winds under that ridge, along with lengthening nights providing more time for the air temperature to cool down to the dew point temperature, widespread fog is covering the state Monday morning. This includes the Twin Cities.

Because of the thick fog, most of eastern Minnesota is under a dense fog advisory until 11 a.m., with many spots seeing visibility reduced to one-quarter mile or less.

With less fog, western Minnesota started Monday with sunshine, and the rest of the state turns sunny as the fog lifts. 

The state already began Monday above average for early October, with 40s and 50s.

Under mostly sunny skies, highs are forecast to range from 5 to 15 degrees above average, with almost the entire state in the 70s.

Extended forecast

The state stays under the influence of high pressure the first half of the week, keeping skies mostly clear.

With those continuing clear skies and light winds overnight Monday, areas of dense fog are likely again, especially in northeastern Minnesota.

The pattern also keeps mild weather firmly in-place.

Tuesday morning still brings a mix of lows in the 40s and 50, but by midweek, most of the state can expect morning temperatures in the 50s, with even a few 60s south.

Highs also nudge warmer most of the week, with almost the entire state staying in the 70s, and a couple of 80s possible in western Minnesota.

Here is that temperature trend for the Twin Cities and St. Cloud:

You may notice on that trend, that 60s return by Sunday. This is because the next forecast weather system is expected to impact Minnesota Friday into Saturday, bringing rain chances across the state.

Behind that system, it currently looks like highs will drop by about 10 degrees, returning Minnesota to the 60s not just Sunday, but it looks like much of the state can expect more 60s next week. 

While cooler than this week, that will still be slightly above average for what will then be mid-October.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.