Mild and foggy start to the weekend; peeks of sun possible

Dense fog continues across the state, with mild temperatures expected to persist and highs reaching the 40s on Saturday. However, cooler temperatures are forecasted for the New Year.

Rain moves out, fog sticks around

A late December rainmaker brought heavier rain amounts to the metro area Friday night into early Saturday. Here are some of the rain totals in inches:

• Minneapolis 0.75

• Saint Paul 0.80

• Oakdale 0.73

• MSP airport 0.62

• Plymouth 0.70

Rain chances continue for the Arrowhead region through midday Saturday, before the system moves out toward the Great Lakes.

A dense fog advisory is in effect for much of central and northern Minnesota through mid-morning, with areas of fog expected to persist throughout Saturday.

High temperatures on Saturday warm into the lower to mid-40s for southern Minnesota, and 30s up north.

There’s a glimmer of hope for some peeks of sunshine amidst the mild temperatures. After a week of cloudy skies, a bit of Vitamin D is certainly welcome.

Saturday night, lows will dip into the upper 20s to low 30s across central and southern Minnesota, with teens and 20s expected up north. Areas of dense fog are likely to develop overnight into early Sunday, with the potential for freezing fog where temperatures fall below freezing.

Sunday is expected to be another mild day, with highs in the 40s. We’re hopeful for some clearing skies throughout the day, gradually shifting from west to east.

Winter temperatures return

Several cold fronts early next week will bring winter-like temperatures back to the forecast. Temperatures will drop below freezing on Tuesday, with colder 20s and teens expected at the start of the New Year.