Seasonal confusion: Winter and spring battle this week

Two steps forward. One step back. One more step back.

Spring can be frustrating to Minnesotans. The fifth warmest March on record? April cold fronts reminding us it's not summer just yet. The other shoe stumbles home late this spring. Expect more seasonal limbo this week. We got off easy this winter, but the calendar still says early April.

Hold off on planting those Supertunias a little longer.

• 68 degrees high temperature at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Sunday.

• -2.0 degrees temps so far this April at MSP

• April 29 average date of last 32 degree temp at MSP Airport in spring.

Few flakes

How about a few snow flakes this morning from Duluth south into the metro? Just in time to decorate your Monday morning sky.

Wintry mix to rain Tuesday

In comes the next low pressure system Tuesday. We start off with a wintry mix for your morning commute. Some snowflakes and sleet transition to all rain in the metro as the morning wears on.

It's cold enough for all snow in northern Minnesota tomorrow. In fact this week look more like winter than spring up north.

Still white up north

Yes, there is still some snow in northeast Minnesota for those who are looking.

More winter than spring?

It may certainly feel that way after the March we just enjoyed. This week leans on the cooler side of spring. Precipitation Tuesday and Thursday morning looks wintry.

Payback?

The longer range maps look unseasonably chilly. It appears we're not rushing headlong into spring this year. Check out next week's chilly temperature outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Ice out progressing north

Many of the smaller lakes are ice free now as far north as Brainerd and Walker. Bigger lakes still hold some ice. Track ice out on your favorite lake here at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ice out page.

The view from space

Sunday's MODIS Terra 250 meter resolution shot clearly shoes the status of ice in central Minnesota lakes. Mille Lacs, Gull and Whitefish still hold some ice. Leech is still mostly ice covered.

It may be a while before you get the boat in (safely) at the cabin this month.

Ice Out Loon In Thursday evening

I'm looking forward to emcee the Freshwater Society Ice Out/Loon In annual gala again this year. The event is this Thursday night at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. It's a great event for a great cause, protecting our water quality in Minnesota and around the world.

Hope to see you there!

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2016 Ice OUT/Loon IN Annual Gala

Join us for our annual gala, held this year at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. Enjoy live music, impressive silent and live auction items, cocktails, great food, good company and the Clean Water Champion Awards! Paul Huttner from MPR will emcee this entertaining evening. Funds raised will support Freshwater’s work to move the best research and policy into on-the-ground action.

When: April 7, 5:30-9:00pm

Where: Nicollet Island Pavilion