Progress

This time of year can be frustrating to Minnesotans who are ready for a warm up. Still, if you look at the past two weeks, there are definite signs of progress.

Last week we were mired in arctic air with sub-zero nights. On the 20th we endured a morning low of -11 and struggled to a high of just 5 above. Within 4 days we rebounded 49 degrees from -11 to 38 on the 24th. In fact we put together 3 days in the 30's for the first time in a month.

After our little clipper dusts us with snow today and tonight, it appears we will open March with another shot of mild air. Temperatures will top 40 in southwest Minnesota this weekend, and here in the metro we will see at least upper 30's with a shot at 40 both Saturday and Sunday.

March will come in like a lamb to be sure. The cold spells are not as cold, and the warm intrusions are getting milder! It will be about 50 degrees warmer to open March than it was just 10 days before.

After that things get a little dicey for next week. It appears the big polar vortex spinning over Hudson Bay will keep sending little wedges of cooler air our way for another week or so. These persistent atmospheric features are hard to break down, but can do so with little notice this time of year. One way they can break down is to "drain" the cold air masses south into the U.S. where the higher sun angle can modify them. While this process goes on, it's tough to tell your spouse, "honey, I know it's cold but we have to drain the cold air out of Canada before it can warm up!"

Enjoy our hint of spring this weekend to open March. And hang in there, it won't stay cold forever!

PH

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.