Stiff winds add a chill

Nature is embarking on the transition from winter to spring as we close out February and the meteorological winter. Very gusty west to northwest winds are adding a chill to the air despite the increasing warmth of some afternoon sunshine.

This is the first February since 2001 when the mercury failed to reach 40 in the Twin Cities. However, the far western reaches of Minnesota saw the thermometer register a high of 52 in Canby this month. Lack of snow cover in South Dakota and sparse snow cover in southwest Minnesota will allow for a spring like surge in temperatures this weekend. This afternoon temperatures were approaching 40 at Marshall, even after a cool front moved through and the winds were gusting to over 40 mph.

Those looking to embrace a mild spell will be gleeful to learn that this will be the third consecutive weekend when temperatures climb above the thawing mark in southern Minnesota. That evasive 40 degree reading might be in reach in Minneapolis on Sunday if overcast skies develop some thin spots.

The Climate Prediction Center has placed Minnesota in the toss up category for temperature and precipitation for the spring. Odds do not favor a particular trend. In the short term, however the first couple weeks of March may likely extend the winter chill and little in the way of significant moisture. Punxsutawney Phil may have been clued in on the continuing La Nina.

Six to ten day outlook

CE

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