Mostly springy: 60s ahead; models favor a Sunday soaker?
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The weather maps are coming down with a case of spring fever.
Forecast models look a lot like mid-April as we turn the corner toward this weekend. An emerging wetter weather pattern suggests April showers will become more frequent in the next two weeks.
Temperatures ease into the 60s in southern Minnesota as we head toward the weekend. Northern Minnesota will see highs in the 40s and 50s. I hear Des Moines, Iowa, is nice this time of year.
Final Four visitors will feel at home this weekend. Temperatures return to near average next week. The average high in the Twin Cities by next Monday is 54 degrees; the average low is 34 degrees.
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Fortunate mini-drought
Thursday marks the 21st day of our remarkably well-timed dry spell in much of Minnesota. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has recorded just .03 inch of precipitation since March 14.
Our fortunate mini-drought has allowed many rivers to crest and begin slowly receding. Today's featured example is the St. Croix River in Stillwater. It has finally started to slowly back off after cresting just below major flood stage.
There is damage near some area rivers. It could have been much worse.
April showers ahead
A series of upper air waves wring out moisture in the Upper Midwest the next few days. The first brings a decent soaking to southern Minnesota and pushes a few light showers as far north as the Twin Cities Thursday afternoon. But the main event arrives this weekend. The latest model trends suggest scattered showers Saturday, with more sustained and potentially soaking rains Sunday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Global Forecast System model captures that evolving trend.
Forecast models suggest widespread one-half inch precipitation totals across Minnesota by Sunday evening with 1-inch totals more common in southern Minnesota. A decent spring soaker.
Safe place
It's just a matter of time until skies turn green and sirens start wailing in some Minnesota communities. Where will you go? It's good to know your local National Weather Service office is ready.
So what makes a good safe place? Here's a short checklist.
It's important to remember that most severe injuries in severe weather come from head trauma. It sounds weird, but keeping a helmet in your car or handy at home may actually save your life in severe weather.
Stay tuned.