A cool start Monday; otherwise a mild week

Despite a chilly start to the week Monday, a big warm-up is taking shape. Many parts of central and northern Minnesota are below zero early Monday.

High temperatures Monday afternoon will be in the teens in the north and near 20 in the south. Don’t be shocked to see a few midday flurries as the warm front passes through the region.

Tuesday will bring highs near 40 for about the southern third of Minnesota. Southwest Minnesota, which has little or no snow cover, could see highs in the mid to upper 40s even.

This is not the typical one day, passing warm-up we’ve had mostly since the start of the year, but a prolonged stretch of mild temperatures through Friday. We should see highs remain in the 30s much of the week in the south and 20s and 30s to the north.

The difference this time is a real change (at least temporarily) in the upper-level weather and wind patterns. A large upper-level ridge will push into the central U.S. allowing for warmer than normal air to stick around.

We’ll also see the chances of snow increase later this week. A system will bring snow Thursday into Friday, with even some rain on the southern and western portions of its track. It’s too early to throw out totals but it does appear that northeastern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin stands the best chance to see significant amounts. Stay tuned!