Cool Saturday, temps recover a bit on Sunday

Our average high temperature is 40 degrees this time of year in the Twin Cities. We’ll be slightly cooler than that this Saturday, topping out in the upper 30s. Highs in the 30s are expected across most of central and southern Minnesota plus west-central Wisconsin. Most of northern Minnesota will have Saturday highs in the 20s.

Temperature trends

Sunday highs reach the 40s in roughly the southern half of Minnesota, plus west-central Wisconsin, with 30s across most of northern Minnesota:

Winds won’t be very strong, so Sunday afternoon wind chill temps will be in the 30s south, with 20s north:

Twin Cities metro area highs are projected to reach the mid 40s Monday, followed by lower 40s Tuesday, mid 40s Wednesday and upper 40s Thursday. We may only reach the upper 30s on Friday.

Snow opportunities

Southwestern Minnesota may see scattered light snow showers this Saturday, with a few flurries possible in south-central Minnesota. Accumulating snow is expected across much of Iowa and portions of northern Illinois.

Northwestern Minnesota could see some areas of light snow Sunday afternoon. Snow spreads across roughly the northern third of Minnesota Sunday evening and overnight Sunday night. Snow may also spread into parts of central Minnesota Monday morning.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s North American Mesoscale forecast model shows the potential precipitation pattern Sunday afternoon through Monday morning:

The Twin Cities metro area could see a few rain showers or snow showers on Monday.

You can hear updated weather information on the MPR network, and you’ll see updated weather info on the MPR News live weather blog.

Snow depths

There’s little or no snow cover right now in the Twin Cities metro area and most of southern Minnesota. Sneaky snow remains in a small part my lawn that’s shaded from the afternoon sun.

Cross-country skiers, sledders, snowboarders and snowmobilers will be happy to hear that there’s still substantial snow cover in portions of northern Minnesota.

Here’s the latest snow depth map, courtesy of the Minnesota State Climatology Office and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:

There’s a foot or more of snow cover across most of north-central and northeastern Minnesota. Portions of Lake and Cook counties of northeastern Minnesota have snow depths of two feet or more.

Flooding along some rivers

There are flood warnings along portions of some rivers in Minnesota. Areas affected are shaded green in this National Weather Service map:

You can go the the NWS site and click on any green-shaded area for flood warning details.

Here’s the flood statement that was issued by the NWS Friday evening:

Flood Statement National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 841 PM CDT Fri Mar 13 2020 ...The flood warning continues for the following rivers in Minnesota... Minnesota River at Savage affecting Dakota...Hennepin and Scott Counties South Fork Crow River below Mayer affecting Carver County Minnesota River at Montevideo affecting Chippewa...Lac qui Parle and Yellow Medicine Counties Minnesota River At Morton affecting Redwood and Renville Counties Minnesota River near Jordan affecting Carver and Scott Counties .Overview...Most area rivers are expected to level off or decrease over the next several days. The depleted snowpack and lack of forecast precipitation during this time period are the primary causes for the relief. However, the next couple of weeks look to be wetter than normal and ice jams are possible. Therefore, additional rises are possible. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Do not drive cars through flooded areas. Turn Around...Don`t Drown. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your local radio or TV station for the latest information concerning this flood event.

Keep in mind that the flood warnings are just for small portions of the counties that are mentioned in the NWS flood statement.

Check for updates if you are in the areas affected by the flood warnings.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on MPR News at 7:35 a.m., 9:35 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.