MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner signs off

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On the map below, you can already see the bubble of mild air building Wednesday afternoon to the southwest of Minnesota.

This week’s Pacific flow will blow far milder-than-normal air into Minnesota into the upcoming weekend. Temperatures in the Twin Cities by Saturday will run more than 20 degrees above our normal high of 28 degrees.

What little snow we have left across southern Minnesota will be just remnant snow plow piles late this week as bare grass returns to our landscape. The inbound solar radiation from ample sunshine will be even more efficient at heating our atmosphere as the snow melts. 

We walk up the temperature ladder this week with highs in the 40s in the Twin Cities and more 50s in the south by Thursday afternoon. 

We step up another few rungs by Friday afternoon.

Saturday — Valentine’s Day — brings the warmest day of this week with highs in the 50s all the way to the Twin Cities. 

The record Twin Cities high for Feb. 14 is 50 degrees, set in 1882. We have a decent shot to tie or break that 144-year-old record on Saturday.

A weak cold front may trim a few degrees Sunday, but highs in the 50s to 60 degrees far south look likely again by Monday of next week.

We all know we’re not done with wintry weather in these parts. The maps for next week favor a possible rain and snow system crossing Minnesota Tuesday.

The map below shows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Global Forecast System run for next Tuesday. I fully expect it to change, but it does favor the notion of a possible rain or snow system toward the middle of next week.

It’s too early to tell who will ultimately see rain or snow next week, but it’s worth watching.

Until then, prepare for an extended February thaw through the upcoming weekend.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

A mild Pacific breeze will boost temperatures well above normal the rest of this week.

Spring fever outbreak: Twin Cities may see 50 degrees, record warmth Saturday

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