Storms start to move out of Minnesota, continue for western Wisconsin

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Unseasonably warm temperatures are forecast across the region this weekend with highs climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s. The combination of dry conditions, low humidity and gusty winds has prompted a fire weather watch.

A cold front will move through the forecast area quietly late Friday afternoon into the evening. It’s easily visible on satellite imagery with wildfire smoke trailing behind it.

Dry air in the lower layers of the atmosphere will prevent rain from reaching the ground, although a few fortunate areas may experience light showers as the front passes. The most noticeable change will be a shift in winds to the north following the front’s passage.

Temperatures really start to heat up starting Friday and continue to warm until early next week. 

Records and fire danger for Mother’s Day

Warm and sunny weather is expected to create ideal conditions for Mother’s Day celebrations on Sunday as temperatures approach record highs. However, the near-summer heat combined with dry and breezy conditions also brings a heightened risk of fire danger.

A fire weather watch is in effect for almost the entire state on Sunday: 

The current statewide fire danger map shows high to very high fire danger levels: 

Low relative humidity percentages will hover in the teens and low 20s throughout the weekend, further contributing to the elevated fire danger. 

These dry conditions, combined with warm temperatures and breezy winds, create an environment where fires can ignite and spread quickly.

Record setting high temperatures are possible on Sunday for the Twin Cities, and St. Cloud. Minneapolis-St. Paul’s record high is 88 from 1900, and St. Cloud is 90 from 1911. 

Forecast temperatures for Sunday show upper 80s to low 90s across the state. 

With May starting off on such a warm note, it looks like summer is arriving early this year.

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

Unseasonably warm temperatures are forecast across the region this weekend with highs climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s. The combination of dry conditions, low humidity and gusty winds has prompted a fire weather watch.


National Weather Service

NOAA via National Centers for Atmospheric Research

Temperatures Friday 1 p.m. through Sunday 7 p.m.

NOAA via Pivotal Weather

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Relative humidity percentages Friday 1 p.m. through Sunday 7 a.m.

NOAA via College of DuPage Weather

Wind speed and direction Friday 1 p.m. to Sunday 7 a.m. 

The heat is on: Very warm temps, fire weather watch this weekend

Go Deeper.

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