Chilliest start since early May, with a major warm-up on the way
70s return mid-week
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It was a downright chilly start across the region Saturday morning, with temperatures dropping into the upper 20s to mid-30s. For many communities in and around the metro, this marked the coldest morning since early May, and the widespread freeze and frost likely brought the growing season to an end.
While the cold has arrived, a significant warm-up is already underway. The sunshine and strengthening south-southwest winds will help temperatures rebound into the upper 50s and 60s this weekend, with much warmer weather expected next week.
However, the combination of gusty winds and low humidity will bring elevated fire weather concerns this afternoon, especially across western Minnesota.
Southerly wind gusts 25 to 35 mph develop after daybreak, with stronger gusts to 45 mph possible along the Buffalo Ridge. Strong winds may lead to localized elevated fire danger, especially in sufficiently dry grasses and cropland.
Sunday will be warmer, with highs in the 60s across the state, plenty of sunshine, and winds continuing out of the south-southwest.
A cold front will approach and move into central Minnesota Sunday afternoon. The front will help bring lighter winds and dry conditions. Fire weather conditions may again be a concern where gusty winds and low humidity overlap.
A look ahead shows a stretch of quiet, dry and unusually warm October weather. Highs are expected to reach well into the 70s from the middle of next week onward, potentially running 15 to 20 degrees above seasonal averages.
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