Unusually quiet pattern ahead; warmest air in over 4 months next week

Minnesota has endured an incredible run of rough weather over the past six weeks.

Ten separate storm systems have pounded the Upper Midwest since Jan. 27. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport stacked up over 54 inches of snow since late January. That's a winter's worth of snow in just the past six weeks.

Coming up for air

The good news for storm-weary Minnesotans features a much quieter weather pattern over the next 10 days. The storm track takes a break. The jet stream will lift mercifully into Canada next week. It looks like we'll finally see a long-awaited sustained Pacific flow aloft over the Upper Midwest next week. That means milder air and little precipitation. That's good weather news for fans of spring and possibly, for flood forecasters. March appears ready to go out like a baby lamb.

Warmest in four months

Next week will feature the warmest air in over four months in Minnesota. The last time the Twin Cities hit 50 degrees or above was on Nov. 1, when it was 51 degrees. Temperatures climb steadily next week through the 40s and into the 50s. A few forecast models project temperatures in the 60s by around March 25.

I predict a massive outbreak of spring fever next week. I even caught the Purple One staring down the snowbanks in Chanhassen, Minn., not far from Paisley Park Friday.

Melting snow stunner

This week's snowmelt is nothing short of amazing. Snow depth at MSP dropped from 16 inches Tuesday morning to just 4 inches Friday morning. That's a foot of snow that disappeared in just 72 hours. Most of that snow is now water that's running into your local creek, river, backyard or basement.

There's still plenty of snow up north and in western Minnesota. Snow cover is dwindling fast from the Twin Cities south.

Climate strike

It's remarkable to see the action in progress from young people on climate.

Have a great weekend everybody.