After a freezing start to the season, a significant shift in weather patterns is bringing much warmer temperatures to the region. Just days ago, temperatures had dropped below zero, but now, some areas are approaching 50°F.

The combination of warm air and periods of sunshine has already begun melting snow at a rapid pace.

Gradual Warm-Up to Continue

As of this afternoon, temperatures in the 50s are being observed just west of Interstate 35. While not everyone has reached the 50°F mark yet, it’s only a matter of time before the warmth spreads across the region. Overnight, temperatures are expected to stay relatively mild, only dipping into the low to mid-30s. This will allow for continuous snowmelt even during nighttime hours.

Monday will bring mostly cloudy skies, but thanks to westerly winds pushing in warm air, most areas will see temperatures climb to around 50°F. A weak low-pressure system is forecasted to pass through the region by Monday evening, leading to a slight chance of rain showers. The most likely areas to see rainfall include Steele, Mower, and Howard counties. However, this rain event is expected to be light and short-lived.

Mild Weather Stretches into Midweek

By Tuesday, skies will begin to clear, allowing for more sunshine and daytime highs in the mid-to-upper 40s. Another weather disturbance will move in from the west later in the evening and into the overnight hours. While some atmospheric forcing will be present, the availability of moisture remains uncertain. If enough moisture is present, scattered rain showers may develop overnight, with a slight possibility of some snow mixing in by early Wednesday morning. However, no significant snowfall accumulation is expected.

Temperatures will cool slightly on Wednesday, with highs settling in the low-to-mid 40s. Despite this minor drop, these temperatures remain well above the seasonal average for this time of year.

Looking Toward the Weekend

As we move toward the end of the week, temperatures will rebound. By Friday, many locations across southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa will once again reach or exceed 50°F. However, a cold front is expected to sweep through the region Friday night, causing temperatures to dip slightly over the weekend. Highs on Saturday and Sunday will hover in the mid-to-upper 30s, but even these cooler readings remain quite mild for this time of year.

Looking ahead to next week, the warm trend is expected to persist. Early indications suggest that temperatures could rise back to the 50s by Monday before a more significant storm system arrives on Tuesday. Although details remain uncertain at this time, meteorologists are closely monitoring this system’s development.

Key Takeaways

Warmer-than-average temperatures will continue throughout the week.

Highs will reach around 50°F in most areas by Monday.

Light rain showers are possible Monday evening, primarily in Steele, Mower, and Howard counties.

Another system could bring isolated rain or snow showers late Tuesday into early Wednesday.

A temporary cool-down is expected over the weekend, but temperatures will remain mild.

A potentially more impactful weather system could arrive next Tuesday.

With these mild temperatures sticking around, residents can enjoy a break from the frigid winter conditions. Stay tuned for updates as forecasters continue to track the developing weather patterns.