Mild weather continues, then temperatures dive by Christmas

Above average temperatures persist across Minnesota through the middle of next week, then colder weather makes a big comeback.

Friday’s forecast

Thanks to cloudy skies that kept temperatures from dropping and warm southerly winds, Friday started off incredibly warm for December. Morning lows mostly in the 20s had most of the state already warmer than the average highs this time of year.

Highs also remain mild, with almost all of Minnesota in the 30s for highs, putting temperatures at least 10 degrees above average.

This is despite mostly cloudy skies and a cold front moving across the state that brings light snow to the northern half of the state.

There may be a couple isolated snow totals over an inch near the border, but most locations can expect under an inch of snow.

Some of that precipitation is likely to make it into southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities. However, moisture will be sparse and with daytime temperatures above freezing, it is most likely just to bring a few sprinkles in the afternoon hours and maybe an isolated flurry.

Weekend forecast

Behind Friday’s cold front, highs drop back into the 20s Saturday, but this is still slightly above average, and skies will be mostly sunny.

Temperatures already rebound some by Sunday, putting highs in the 20s north and 30s south.  Partly cloudy skies prevail much of the day, then a few more cloud move in late, along with a disturbance that brings light snow across Minnesota Sunday evening into Monday morning. 

It currently looks like most places would see just a dusting, but northern Minnesota could see a few isolated totals of one to two inches of snow.

Extended forecast

Temperatures remain very mild the first half of next week, with highs in the 20s and 30s, with occasional 40s south. Highs above freezing make it very hard for any light snow in southern Minnesota to stick.

A strong storm and associated cold front are poised to pass through Minnesota midweek, with the current forecast timing of Tuesday night into early Wednesday.

Presently, it looks like precipitation will be limited, with snow totals ranging from a few inches north to a dusting south, but we will keep you updated on snow chances as the system approaches. 

What does appear more certain is much colder air behind the system, which starts dropping temperatures Wednesday, then likely brings the coldest day so far this season by Thursday. 

Here is that forecast trend for the Twin Cities, showing the above average highs much of the week, then the plunge:

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.