Spring Phase II: Warmer with a welcome dry spell
Spring 2016 is about to shift into high gear.
We're turning the corner on a significant pattern change this spring that will yield much warmer and drier weather over the next week. Starting on Thursday I expect a string of sunny and increasingly warm days.
Daily high temperatures will gradually climb through the 60s into the 70s. Sunshine and dry breezes will be welcome news to Minnesota farmers, who are dealing with planting delays and soggy fields.
Weather skeptical Minnesotans may actually believe once again that true spring, and our hard earned summer lie just ahead.
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But first, a few spotty showers tonight.
Sunny stretch starts Thursday
Skies turn sunnier starting Thursday and lasting right through the weekend. I can't remember a forecast page with this many sun symbols. Just in time for the weekend. Friday is the new Saturday.
Here's another view from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model. The next chance for rain holds off until at least Tuesday. Temps in Celsius.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Digital Forecast Database cranks out highs in the 70s Friday and again early next week. I like the look of these numbers.
A shot at 80 Tuesday?
The season's first 80 degree temperature may occur next Tuesday at many locations. Sign me up.
Prepare for long lines at your local Dairy Queen, and neighbors in shorts.
Massive Missouri flooding continues
I've always told friends that the one weather disaster I'd least like to deal with is flooding. Honestly I'd much rather have my roof ripped off by a tornado, than deal with this.
Angela Fritz at Capital Weather Gang has a nice write up on the record flood zone.