Record February behind us, more warmth ahead

Remarkable February

February was certainly whacky. In the Twin Cities, it was the warmest February on record by 1.4 degrees. The average temperature was a remarkable 12.7 degrees warmer than the climatological normal.

There was just a single snow event with more than a light dusting. That was the 7 inches that fell on Valentine’s Day. Total snowfall so far has been a meager 14.3 inches. The warm temperatures and lack of snowfall have left many lakes with puddles of water atop weakened ice at times.

More mild weather coming

Friday will be a breezy, springlike day as we begin March. High temperatures will be in the 40s in the north, 50s for much of the state, and low to mid 60s in the southwest. The Twin Cities should warm to about 59, which is the record high for the date. Some light smoke from the Texas wildfires is possible, mostly aloft.

Saturday will bring cooler temperatures to much of northern Minnesota while central and southern parts of the state will continue to warm. Afternoon highs should range from the 30s in the northwest, where there will be a chance of light snow and rain. Central Minnesota will get mostly 50s while 60s will warm southern Minnesota. The Twin Cities should enjoy a record high in the low 60s.

Warmest day Sunday

Sunday should be the warmest day in the near future for much of Minnesota. The Twin Cities might touch 70.

Rain and snow coming?

A rather weak disturbance could spread some rain across northern Minnesota on Sunday. Then look for scattered rain and snow Sunday night and Monday.

Cooler Monday

Temperatures will cool early next week, then warm again later in the week.