In search of May: More sun and milder temps arrive by the weekend

May opened on a decisively chilly note across Minnesota. Our current air mass is about 20 degrees cooler than average for May 1. The average high for the Twin Cities is now 65 degrees. Our chilly blue-tinted air mass runs from the Rockies all the way through the Upper Midwest.

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Temperatures Wednesday afternoon via Oklahoma Mesonet.

Another rain and snow wave

Another wave of light rain and snow crosses Minnesota overnight into Thursday morning. This system will favor the northern half of the state. It will be cold enough for another inch or two of snow across northern Minnesota. NOAA's GFS model shows the progression of light rain and snow favoring northern Minnesota into Thursday.

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NOAA GFS model through Thursday via tropical tidbits.

Milder air arrives Friday

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Friday is the day we'll start to notice spring in the air again. Highs reach the 60s in southern Minnesota, then make a run at 70 by Saturday afternoon.

Highs in the 60s run all the way north into the Iron Range Saturday afternoon. It may be only one day, but worth savoring in this reluctant spring.

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NOAA GFS forecast temperatures for 1 pm CDT Saturday via tropical tidbits.

Temperatures remain in the 60s most of next week.

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NOAA via Weather Bell.

Signs of more consistent milder air show up after May 12.

Severe weather season on the way 

It's hard to believe we're moving closer to severe weather season across the Upper Midwest. But it won't be long before the watches and warnings start flying. Severe weather in Minnesota peaks between Memorial Day and the 4th of July.

 

Peak severe season

This is a good time of year to check our weather radio to see if you're programmed to get alerts for your county.