True spring ahead? Major warming trend next week

Highs in the 50s and 60s possible next week in parts of Minnesota

NOAA 8 to 14-day temperature outlook
8 to 14-day temperature outlook
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Is this the last true shot of winter in Minnesota?

It looks conceivable given the looks of the medium-range weather maps as we glide into April next week. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s eight to 14-day temperature outlook on the map above shows the changes likely later next week.

Temperatures Thursday continue to run about 10 degrees colder than normal across Minnesota. High in the 20s and 30s will feel brisk, but with less wind than we felt Wednesday.

thu hi 8a
Forecast highs Thursday
National Weather Service

By this weekend, temperatures gradually recover with highs mostly in the 40s.

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Forecast high temperatures Saturday
Forecast high temperatures Saturday
NOAA

Warmer start to April

A warmer pattern looks likely to evolve next week across our region. A massive ridge of warmer-than-normal high pressure looks to amplify next week over the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest.

Check out NOAA’s Global Forecast System model 500-millibar height anomalies about 18,000 feet above ground level. The red areas indicate warmer-than-normal temperatures aloft, which translates to warmer-than-normal temperatures here on the ground.

NOAA GFS upper air forecast
Global Forecast System upper-air forecast between Monday and Friday next week.
NOAA, via Tropical Tidbits

NOAA’s Global Forecast System model is cranking out highs in the 60s as we head through late next week.

NOAA GFS temperature output
Global Forecast System temperature output for Thursday, April 7 through Sunday, April 10.
NOAA, via Tropical Tidbits

So it looks like we’ll leave this wintry landscape in central and southern Minnesota in the dust over the next week or so, possibly through next fall.

Stay tuned.