1st 70s of 2012; Records shattered; More ice out reports; 80 by Sunday?

73 degrees new record high at MSP Airport Wednesday

1st 70s of 2012 in the metro Wednesday

Ice out confirmed at several southern Minnesota lakes

String of 70s ahead for St. Patty's Day weekend

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80 degrees possible in the metro by Sunday?

Slightly Humid? Dew points in the 60s this weekend?

Shower & T-Storm chances early next week

Instant June:

This is getting just crazy.

The first 70s of 2012 invaded southern Minnesota Wednesday.

The record high of 73 degrees in the metro is more typical for June 1st than March 14th. The 73 degree high blasts the old record of 64 out of the water.

Eau Claire hit 76 degrees, also a new record.

Chicago hit 81 Wednesday!

Just the beginning:

Wednesday's warmth is not a 1 day affair. The March "heat wave" kicks into high gear on Friday, and will last through the weekend. In fact more records may fall Friday and Sunday, when temps should again soar into the 70s.

If everything falls just right, the combination of warm air, southerly breezes and sunshine may boost temps to 80 degrees in southern Minnesota and the metro either Friday or Sunday!

More lakes ice free:

New reports of ice free lakes are streaming into the weather lab via the MN DNR.

A few are listed beow. You can find the location and more lake data by using this map from the MN DNR.

Lake name: Smith

DNR lake number: 51002700

This year's ice out date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Lake name: Loon

DNR lake number: 81001500

This year's ice out date: Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Median ice out date: March 29

Earliest ice out date: Thursday, March 24, 1994

Latest ice out date: Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Period of record: 1994 to 2011

Lake name: Albert Lea

DNR lake number: 24001400

This year's ice out date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Median ice out date: March 31

Earliest ice out date: Sunday, March 05, 2000

Latest ice out date: Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Period of record: 1991 to 2011

The ice is going fast and increasing winds this weekend will take out many lakes, even in the metro.

PH