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Paul Huttner

Ice-out moving north; 60s ahead Wednesday and this weekend

Ice-free lakes a sure sign of spring in Minnesota; midler air later this week

Bayside Marine webcam
Open water Monday on Lake Minnetonka's Excelsior Bay
Bayside Marine webcam

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It’s happening. Minnesota’s lakes this month are giving up that thick coating of winter ice.

Some lakes are going ice-free one to more than three weeks early this season. Why are Minnesota’s lakes losing ice earlier than the long-term normals this year?

There are three main factors leading to early ice-out dates in 2026:

  • A mild March: March was 5.8 degrees warmer than normal in the Twin Cities and most of Minnesota.

  • Gusty winds: Recent days with wind gusts over 30 mph push around and break up ice.

  • Rain: Recent rains have helped soften and break up ice.

Ice out
Ice out dates.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Here are some select ice-out dates for Minnesota lakes so far this year compared to average.

  • Iowa Lake on the Iowa border. Ice-out March 10. Average date March 23

  • Swan Lake, north of Mankato. Ice-out March 13. Average date March 31

  • Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. Ice-out March 31. Average date April 9

  • Little Watab, west of St. Cloud. Ice-out April 2. Average date April 12

  • Lake Minnetonka. Ice-out April 3. Average date April 12

Mild temperatures later this week and plenty of wind should keep ice out moving northward.

Temperatures
Temperatures Monday afternoon.
Oklahoma Mesonet

Milder days ahead

Our blustery chilly Monday gives way to sunny skies and lighter winds Tuesday. Highs in the 40s south and 30s north will still feel colder than normal. The normal high now for the Twin Cities is 52 degrees.

Wednesday brings a brief shot of milder air. Highs will reach the 60s in the south.

Forecast high temperatures Wednesday
Forecast high temperatures Wednesday.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Scattered rain showers will sweep through Wednesday, especially across the north.

We chill back into the 50s south and 40s north Thursday and Friday.

This weekend looks like the springiest weekend so far. Highs Saturday make the 60s south once again. Sunday will be the mildest day this weekend with highs in the 70s in the south.

Forecast high temperatures Sunday
Forecast high temperatures Sunday
NOAA

Scattered showers and possible thunder this weekend seem to favor timing overnight Saturday night.

Spring is always two steps forward, one step back in Minnesota. This week is a perfect example.

Stay tuned.