Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Best weather week of 2020?

A pleasantly warm and dry air mass visits Minnesota this week

This looks like it could be the best weather week of 2020 in Minnesota.

You could say what people consider good weather is subjective. But ask Minnesotans how they feel about plenty of sunshine, highs close to 80 degrees with comfortable dew points in the 50s, and you’ll get an overwhelmingly positive response.

By most standards, this looks like the best weather week of 2020.

601 summer
Summer sky over Lake Minnetonka.
Paul Huttner | MPR News

High and dry

A pleasantly mild and dry northwest flow in the upper atmosphere above Minnesota is pushing in our pleasant air mass. This type of flow pattern brings bitter Arctic fronts in January. In July we enjoy some of the most pleasant air masses on earth. Enjoy.

Upper air forecast map for 7 pm July 27
Upper air forecast map for 7 p.m. Monday.
NOAA

Bubbles of Canadian high-pressure drift south over Minnesota this week. These protective air mass push the sticky fronts and thunder spells south of Minnesota this week.

Surface weather maps through Wednesday
Surface weather maps through Wednesday
NOAA

Feeling like 80

High temperatures this week bracket the 80-degree mark. This is some of the best air we get all year.

Forecast high temperatures Wednesday
Forecast high temperatures Wednesday
NOAA

Heat and humidity return

In case you are wondering, we’re not done with summer heat and humidity yet. Our air mass will turn more tropical again as we approach next weekend. And the upper air pattern favors more heat and humidity as we move into August.

Upper air forecast map for 7 pm August 10
Upper air forecast map for 7 p.m. Aug. 10.
NOAA

It’s a real summer this year Minnesota.