Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Snowy dusting Friday; a shot at 40 by Sunday

Another weekend thaw on the way

Temperature forecast for Twin Cities
Temperature forecast for Twin Cities
NOAA via Weather Bell

January is running warmer than average across Minnesota. Temperatures are 4.7 degrees warmer than average in the Twin Cities so far this month. And yet another thaw arrives this weekend to open the month of February.

But first, a little snow Friday morning. The Canadian model picks up on a weak low-pressure system that pushes light snow into Minnesota Friday morning and midday.

Canadian model Thursday night and Friday
Canadian model Thursday night and Friday
NOAA via tropical tidbits

NOAA’s GFS model is close to many others that suggest around an inch of snowfall accumulation Friday across the region.

NOAA GFS snowfall output Friday
NOAA GFS snowfall output Friday
NOAA via pivotal weather

Early February thaw

February blows in with milder southerly breezes. Highs surge past the thawing point once again. The thermal ridge arrives Sunday. Temperatures make a run at or past 40 degrees Sunday afternoon.

Temperature forecast for Twin Cities
Temperature forecast for Twin Cities
NOAA via Weather Bell

The longer-range forecast maps suggest a colder pattern later next week.

Upper air forecast map for 6 pm February 6
Upper air forecast map for 6 pm February 6
NOAA

Right now I don't see a deep Polar Vortex-type surge, but temperatures may run a few degrees colder than average late next week.

NOAA 8 to 14-day temperature outlook
NOAA 8 to 14-day temperature outlook
NOAA

Some longer-range maps suggest a return to milder Pacific air is possible by mid-February.

Upper air forecast map for 6 pm February 11
Upper air forecast map for 6 pm February 11
NOAA

Stay tuned.