Minnesota sees a warm weekend, then snow chances

Following highs that make it back into the 60s for parts of Minnesota over the weekend, a strong storm drops temperatures and is forecast to bring rain and snow into the state.

Friday’s forecast

Winds out of the south helped warm all of Minnesota back above average by Thursday afternoon, and that wind pattern kept Friday morning temperatures mild too. Most of the state is started the day in the 30s, which is 5 to 15 degrees above average for early November. 

Those winds turn breezier through the day, and by the afternoon, southern Minnesota especially could see gusts over 30 mph.

That wind pattern continues to funnel warmer air across the state. This puts highs for all but the northern edge of Minnesota into the 50s.

The state sees a mix of sunshine and clouds Friday, and northern Minnesota could see a couple of isolated rain showers in the late afternoon and evening. No significant rainfall is expected.

Warmer, then snow chances

Even warmer weather settles in over the weekend, with morning lows in the 30s, with more 40s south. Highs will be in the 50s north and 60s south. This puts almost all of Minnesota 10 to 20 degrees above average Saturday and Sunday.

However, a cold front is expected to pass through Minnesota Sunday. Although little to no precipitation is forecast with that system, it does drop temperatures.

By Monday and Tuesday, most of the state will be back in the 50s for highs, with 40s north.  That is still slightly above average, but a noticeable change following the warm weekend.

Here is that temperature trend for the Twin Cities:

The recent drier-than-average weather also continues into early next week. Minnesota can expect mostly sunny skies from Saturday through Tuesday, with just a few more clouds Sunday thanks to the front going through.

That dry trend is forecast to come to and end Wednesday, as a potent storm is expected to return rain and probably some snow back to Minnesota.

There is currently some uncertainty with the storm in terms of just how far it will drop temperatures, which makes a big difference in how much snow mixes in. What is more certain is that precipitation is likely to linger Thursday and possibly into Friday. 

There may be some snow accumulation in northern Minnesota, which currently looks lighter, and even as far south as the Twin Cities may see a couple of flakes mix in with the rain.

We will continue to update the forecast as the storm approaches and temperatures become more certain, but in the meantime, expect the second half of next week to be more active!

Programming note

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