Unrelenting cold into next week and more snow

Cold weather in April typically gives way rather quickly to near-normal temperatures as the jet stream retreats northward and milder southern air surges up the Mississippi River Valley, but not this year.

My records show that today will be our eighth consecutive cold day. Forecast models indicate that we are likely to remain well on the cold side of normal through about next Tuesday. That should add up to an impressive 13-day very cold spell.

Temperatures this chilly morning have fallen into the low teens in the core of Minneapolis and St. Paul while single digits and some zeros have been widespread outside the urban heat island thanks to our fresh snowpack.

The official Twin Cities temperature measured at MSP airport got down to 13 before 7 a.m. and might not quite reach the record low of 12 degrees for today.

High temperatures this afternoon should range from the upper 20s to the upper 30s. The Twin Cities should have a high around 36 with a light southwest wind. Our average high for today is 52.

Snow for the Twins home opener?

A weak disturbance from North Dakota will spread clouds and moisture southeastward across Minnesota today. I expect an area of light snow to track down Interstate 94 and expand this afternoon.

Light snow is likely to reach the Twin Cities and Target Field by late afternoon. A light accumulation is possible on the colder surfaces.

Some light snow showers will dust northern Minnesota as well, while southern Minnesota could see flurries mixed with sprinkles.

Raw, blustery Friday

While the sun will break out for Friday, the northwest wind will blow and afternoon temperatures will be in or near record-cold territory. High temperatures around Minnesota will be generally from the upper teens to mid 20s. The daily record low maximum temperature for the Twin Cities of 26 for April 6, set in 1936, will be in jeopardy.

Winds will decrease for Saturday and temperatures will be several degrees less cold, but don't break out the flip-flops.

Heavy snow likely Sunday but exact location is uncertain

A stream of Pacific moisture will feed into a developing storm near the West Coast and then track toward us by the weekend. Snow should break out across the Dakotas on Saturday.

As of now, it looks as though a broad band of several inches of snow will develop across parts of central and southern Minnesota on Sunday and Sunday night.

This storm has the potential to bring plowable snow to the Twin Cities area while the heaviest snow falls in the southwestern third of Minnesota.

Here is a summary of the likely upcoming weather for areas in and around the Twin Cities.

Maybe we will get some springlike weather next Wednesday when temperatures might flirt with 50.