Warming trend builds, 70s return

Our October preview is in the final act. It looks like summer is ready to make a comeback as the second half of September unfolds.

  • -2.9 degrees - temps vs. average at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport so far in September

  • 39 degrees coldest temp so far this fall at MSP Airport (Saturday morning)

  • 72/52 average high/low at MSP this week

  • Above average temps forecast later this week across Minnesota

915 msp

Warming trend kicks in

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

We call it life on the "back side" in weather. The back side of high pressure cells drifting through the Midwest means southerly wind flow, the return flow of milder air from the still higher sun angle of the Southern Plains.

915 allfcsts_loop_ndfd (1)
NOAA

Temps gradually respond this week, and climb into the 70s by the weekend. I won't be shocked to see a few 80 degree temps somewhere in southern Minnesota by Saturday.

Note the dew point trend on the bottom line below, upper 60s again by Saturday as a summery air mass pushes in.

915 kky
Weatherspark

The upper air pattern seems to favor warmer than average temps the last half of September overall. Here's the take on temp trends next week from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center:

915 610temp.new
NOAA/CPC

Enjoy the warmer days!