Mixed bag weekend; 70s return next week

In many ways, this fishing opener and Mother's Day weekend marks the first big weekend of the 'warm' season in Minnesota. It's traditionally a time when many Minnesotans engage in outdoor events and hit the lakes for the first time in months.

This weekend brings a mixed bag of weather conditions. A little sun. Some clouds. A few passing showers. Get ready for a little bit of everything this weekend.

Spotty showers

A weak low-pressure system spins through the Upper Midwest this weekend. The system sparks a few scattered showers, maybe even a thunderclap. We'll have many more dry hours that rain this weekend.

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Rain will be very spotty and generally light, but keep an eye on the western sky if you're out on the lake this weekend. NOAA's NAM 3 km resolution model captures the spotty nature of pop-up showers this weekend.

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NOAA NAM 3 km resolution model Saturday and Sunday via tropical tidbits.

Mostly 60s

Highs make the low 60 degrees Saturday across most of Minnesota. Cooler by the lake as usual. Mother's Day looks few degrees cooler.

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NOAA.

Walleye chop

Southerly breezes between 10 and 20 mph on the open lakes will drive a decent walleye chop on bigger lakes Saturday.

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NOAA.

Frigid water temperatures

Water temperatures in Minnesota lakes are still in the frigid 40s and 50s. Life jackets are the most important piece of equipment this weekend. When you need them, you really need them.

Spring fever alert: 70s ahead

We take another step forward next week with temperatures in Minnesota. Highs will reach the 70s  several days next week. Progress.

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NOAA via Weather Bell.

There are still some significant forecast model differences about temperatures next weekend. A few models still suggest a surge of much higher temperatures and humidity. Let's see how it shakes out in the next few days.