Gray weather gives way to more sunshine late week

Following rain and snow Tuesday, the rest of the week trends drier. Temperatures stay cooler, running near to below average for the next week.

Tuesday’s forecast

Minnesota is still under the influence of low pressure Tuesday, along with a cooler pattern.
This is bringing precipitation across the state, and because most of Minnesota started Tuesday near or below freezing, much of the moisture as of 9 a.m. is coming down as snow.

While most of the snow so far has been light, there have been a couple reports of 3 to 4 inches in central Minnesota already Tuesday morning.

Morning temperatures have been predominantly in the 20s in northwestern and central Minnesota, with low to mid 30s northeast and south.

For the Arrowhead, because of the position of the low pressure, winds stay lighter and southerly. However, the rest of the state gets gusty winds from the north and east, keeping temperatures well below average. The majority of the state stays stuck in the 30s for highs, with a few low 40s in the southeast and northeast corners of the state.

That temperature pattern, along with the precipitation becoming spottier as you head south, means the best chances for accumulating snow through the day are in central and northwestern Minnesota.

Those areas could see an inch or more of additional snow, while most of the state gets a dusting or less.

Extended forecast

The precipitation starts clearing out overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday morning.  However, skies remain mostly cloudy and the eastern edge of the state may see some light, lingering rain showers into the afternoon. 

Those gray skies and continued northerly winds keep temperatures below average Wednesday, with northwestern Minnesota in the 30s for highs, and the rest of the state in the 40s.

Temperatures turn more seasonable the second half of the week, with highs in the 40s for most of the state, with a few 50s south. Most of Minnesota currently has average highs in the 50s, so the forecast temperatures are near to slightly below average.

Here is that forecast trend for the Twin Cities:

It currently looks like cold front will move across the state early next week, bringing another chance for rain and snow showers, while reinforcing the cooler air.

So, next week is also likely to trend slightly below average, with highs mostly in the 40s and low 50s. We’ll keep you updated as that next front approaches!

Programming note 

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.