Weather bliss: Spectacular weather pattern this weekend
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For most Minnesotans this may be the best weather of the year so far.
My informal, unscientific poll finds 93.7 percent of all Minnesotans approve of sunny days with highs in the 60s and 70s. It's amazing how popular the weatherman is on days like this. People who haven't spoken to me in six months suddenly sing my praises. With all the "feedback" we get for lousy weather days, I'll take it.
A lazy high-pressure cell loiters over Minnesota this weekend into early next week. Sunny skies and milder temperatures constitute our weather fare the next few days. Farmers get moving again on planting, as soggy farm fields dry out. Spring fever cases spike at local clinics, and outdoor patios.
High and dry
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Minnesota rides a narrow high pressure ridge this weekend. Storms on the east and west coasts rain away. In between, a narrow slot of sunshine and mild air for the first weekend in May. We've earned it.
70s ahead
Temperatures respond to our higher May sun angle this weekend. Friday looks simply spectacular. Call it our fifth "top 10 weather day" of the 47 we will see this year.
Frosty north of the metro Sunday
The coolest morning in the next two weeks could be Sunday morning. Frost is likely north and east of the metro. The inner urban core inside the Interstate 494-Interstate 694 freeway ring should escape freezing temps.
Even warmer next week
The thermal ridge, the peak of warmest air, arrives Monday and Tuesday. Many towns will bask in the 70s and some locations may enjoy the first 80 degree temperatures of the year by Tuesday afternoon.
Slight rain chance next week
The next hint of rain appears to be a potentially glancing blow next Tuesday and Wednesday. The heaviest rain appears to favor southern Minnesota and Iowa next week.
Warm again as May unfolds?
Warmer-than-average weather is favored in the Upper Midwest for the foreseeable short term future.
The upper air pattern suggests another mild high-pressure ridge later in May.
Spring has sprung.