Monday warmth; update on the midweek snowstorm
Our Sunday high reached 63 degrees at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Dew point temperatures were in the lower 50s, so it felt very spring-like.
I think you'll enjoy our Monday weather. Our Wednesday and Thursday weather? Not so much.
On to the details.
Temperature trends
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Monday highs are expected to reach the 60s in most of the southern half of Minnesota, with many 50s north and a few 40s in the far north:
Our average April 8 high temp is 54 degrees in the Twin Cities metro area.
Metro area highs are projected to reach the mid-50s Tuesday, followed by around 40 Wednesday, upper 30s on Thursday and lower 40s Friday.
Shower chances north Monday
There will be a chance of rain showers in about the northern half of Minnesota on Monday, and the showers could change to light snow showers in the far north later Monday evening.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's North American Mesoscale forecast model shows the potential precipitation pattern Monday and Monday evening:
The metro area could see an isolated late-day shower.
As always, updated weather information can be heard on the Minnesota Public Radio Network, and you’ll also see updated weather info on the MPR News live weather blog.
Update on the midweek snowstorm
Forecast models show a strong low-pressure system spinning rain and snow over the upper Midwest Wednesday into Thursday and early Friday.
NOAA's Global Forecast System model shows the potential precipitation pattern from Wednesday into Friday morning:
The color chart to the right of the loop refers to the precipitation rate (mm per hour), not to the total amount of rain or snow.
The projected storm track and strength give us the potential for a high-impact winter storm in much of central and southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The Twin Cities metro area could be in or near the heavy snow band from the storm. Temperatures in the lowest few thousand feet of the atmosphere will determine who has rain, a rain/snow mix, or all snow as we go from Wednesday through Thursday and into early Friday.
Watch for many more forecast details over the next few days.
In case you’re wondering, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model gives the metro area heavy snow for much of Wednesday night and Thursday:
Temperatures are in degrees Celsius in the ECMWF model, and days use the day/month/year format.
Here's a storm preview, from the National Weather Service:
The shades in the graphic depict the probability of accumulating snow.
Stay tuned!
A reaction
Some people aren't amused by the thought of April snow: