April preview continues, Pam hits category 5
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It may not have been a total bust, but it was a serious bend.
Temperatures stopped short of forecast highs in the metro Thursday as high cirrus clouds originating in the tropics put a damper on the warm up. Temperatures still ran about 20 degrees warmer than average Thursday in the metro.
Further southwest the air mass performed as expected — with 70s and records in the Sioux Falls area.
Our April preview rolls on.
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Temperatures continue to run a good 15 to 25 degrees above average the next few days across the Upper Midwest. The recently precise European model cranks out 4 more days at or near 60 degrees in the metro.
You have to look hard to find any remaining snow piles around most of Minnesota. There's still a dwindling snow pack up north.
Our sustained warmth is taking frost out of the ground now. The soil is frost-free down to about 6-inch depth at Waseca.
The warmth and continued dryness is starting to move drought numbers already this early spring. Virtually all of Minnesota is now in pre-drought mode. Look for the moderate drought area to expand in the next two weeks. Here's this week's updated U.S. Drought Monitor.
Next week looks cooler, but temperatures will still be a bit above average until a late-week cold front. That's spring in Minnesota. Two steps forward, one step back.
The longer range outlook suggests a warm up again as temperatures push back toward the 60-degree mark later this month. Rain or snow still looks hard to find.
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Pacific Tropical Cyclone Pam roars
Monster tropical cyclone Pam is tracking through the south Pacific. Pam has reached Category 5 as it slams Vanuatu.
Pam's eyewall gained definition Thursday.
Pam is just one of four storms swirling in the tropical south Pacific now. Not the best week for a 'round the world sailing voyage north of Australia.
We can be thankful for our quiet, mild weather in Minnesota this week.