Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Cold front brings chilly end to the workweek; weekend warmup ahead

Elevated fire weather concerns this weekend

5-day forecast
5-day forecast
National Weather Service

A cold front is sweeping through Minnesota Thursday, bringing falling temperatures and setting up a much chillier end to the workweek.

The chill won’t last long but the weekend warmup may bring an increased risk of fire weather.

Brief cooldown, then weekend warmup and fire risk

Wednesday’s highs reached the 60s, 70s and near 80 degrees across central and southern Minnesota. The cold front shifting south Thursday is bringing much cooler air.

While Friday’s temperatures will be only slightly below average, the drop will feel dramatic compared with Wednesday’s highs.

Surface analysis for Thursday 1 p.m.
Surface analysis for Thursday 1 p.m.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Prediction Center

Friday highs will struggle to climb out of the 20s in northern Minnesota and the 30s in the south due to that much colder air mass.

Highs for Friday
Highs for Friday
National Weather Service

The colder weather won’t last long as a weekend warmup brings highs in the 50s on Saturday and the 60s to 70s on Sunday.

Highs for Saturday
Highs for Saturday
National Weather Service
Highs for Sunday
Highs for Sunday
National Weather Service

Warm, dry conditions bring elevated fire risk particularly across western and southwestern Minnesota, where relative humidity may drop to around 20 percent.

Relative humidity percentages Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Relative humidity percentages Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NOAA, via College of DuPage weather lab

South-southwest winds are expected to increase to 25-35 mph, creating conditions that could prompt the first fire weather headlines of the season.

Wind speed and direction Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wind speed and direction Saturday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NOAA, via College of DuPage weather lab