Return of the 70s

It was a pleasant afternoon, with highs in the 60s and some decorative clouds.

A curious thing shows up on the afternoon satellite loop:

Notice how the cumulus clouds do not form over the cold waters of Lake Mille Lacs, and there is also a cloud-free shadow in the cooler area near the south shore of the lake.  It is often sunnier near the south and southeast shores of large lakes this time of year, if winds are from the north or northwest.

Severe risk to the south

A high pressure system will spread over the upper Midwest tonight:

It will bring is mostly clear skies tonight, and plenty of sunshine over the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere remains unstable over parts of the southern U.S., with a chance of strong or severe thunderstorms tonight into early Tuesday.

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service indicates a risk of severe thunderstorms tonight into early Tuesday over Oklahoma, north Texas and southern Kansas:

Cool temps tonight

Lows overnight will be in the 30s over central and northern Minnesota, and much of Wisconsin:

The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory from midnight to 8 a.m. Tuesday for parts of northern Minnesota and western Wisconsin:

Patchy frost is also possible in low spots south of the advisory area.

70s are in sight

We expect a high of 70 in the Twin Cities on Wednesday, with lower 70s Thursday and Friday. Highs in the mid to upper 70s are possible this weekend!

The 6 to 10 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service shows a tendency for above normal temperatures over Minnesota and Wisconsin:

The outlook period runs from May 22 through May 26, which is from this coming Sunday to the following Thursday.

I hope that you enjoy the warmer temperatures later this week!