Snow lovers are waiting

We're saving money on our heating bills, but our recent warm weather has made it difficult for skaters and kids with sleds.

The popular sledding hill at Highland National Golf Course in St. Paul had compacted snow and some icy spots last Thursday:

A lot of that snow melted over the weekend, and the remaining patches of snow are covered with ice:

Our snow season is far from over, but snow lovers will have to be patient. No big snowstorms are in sight.

Tuesday flakes?

We could see occasional rain showers and snow showers tomorrow across Minnesota and Wisconsin:

The low pressure system moving out of Texas on Tuesday could spawn some scattered severe thunderstorms from east Texas to Alabama.

Mild temps

High tomorrow will be a few degrees above average:

If we see a few breaks in the clouds during the afternoon hours, some spots could hit 40 degrees.

First 50?

We’ve seen highs in the 40s several times this month in the Twin Cities, so it is time to set our sights on 50 degrees. We don’t have a 50 degree reading in the five-day forecast, but it can happen this time of year, especially when we have minimal snow cover.

Here is a tally of our first 50 degree or warmer reading in the Twin Cities over the past few years:

• 2015  March 9

• 2014  March 10

• 2013  March 30

• 2012  January 10!

• 2011  February 16

• 2010  March 14

Our Jan. 10, 2012 high of 52 at degrees was a new record high for that date in the Twin Cities. I remember that day well, since I was able to play some golf at Braemar Executive Golf Course that afternoon! Here is one of my pics from that memorable round of January golf:

There wasn't any January golf this year, but I am expecting an earlier than normal start to our growing season.