Sunday flakes? Precious rain likely Tuesday
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." Anne Bradstreet, The Works of Anne Bradstreet
Spring in Minnesota comes reluctantly most years. This weekend is a reminder. The chill in the air reminds us of our latitude. Yet the promise of milder days and landscape greening spring rain lies just ahead.
A bright sunny Saturday gives way to a gray Sunday capable of a some stray rain and snow showers. Just a reminder the calendar stills reads March. Welcome to spring in Minnesota. Two steps forward, one step back.
Support Local News
When breaking news happens, MPR News provides the context you need. Help us meet the significant demands of these newsgathering efforts.
The good weather news?
Tuesday's inbound system looks more promising for some meaningful rain. The Euro model is cranking out temps near 60 again by next Saturday. The sun is now as high in the sky as on Sept. 20. Our slightly wintry hangover this weekend can't stick around much longer.
Sunday flakes?
The maps for this weekend look typical for the home stretch of March. Minnesota rides the southern edge of a cool Canadian air dome.
A cool but sunny Saturday offers temps in the low 40s. A sputtering Clipper riding south Sunday brings a smudge of snow that could coat fields in southeast Minnesota.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Global Forecast System output yields a snowy coating for southeast Minnesota from Rochester south and east.
Don't be shocked to see a few flakes in the metro Sunday. I seriously hope this is the last time this spring I have to trot this map out.
Here's the longer term breakdown for the next week. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts hints at 60 again by next Saturday.
Tuesday system looks promising
Tuesday's inbound low is looking more promising for some meaningful precipitation. Temperatures favor mostly rain with some snow mixing in north of the metro.
The latest seven-day precipitation maps suggest the potential for between a half inch and 1 inch of rain-snow with this system. That would be excellent news for a state that just launched headlong into drought status. Heavier rains straddle the Gulf Coast and Pacific Northwest next week.
The longer range maps hint at a warm up, and another shot at much needed rainfall. I'm still concerned about drought potential this spring, but if the 16-day GFS precipitation output verifies that would be a good thing.
Weather fingers crossed.