Minnesota Sees Brief Thaw Before Snow Returns Late This Week

If it feels a little spring-ish outside today, enjoy it. It’s a short-lived break before winter reminds us exactly where we live.

Upcoming Thaw and Mild Weather

According to the National Weather Service Twin Cities, “we’ll get a good thaw today and Tuesday before temperatures come crashing down Tuesday night.” Highs today and Tuesday are expected to rise well above freezing across much of southern Minnesota.

READ MORE: Minnesota’s Most Extreme Temperatures in History

The National Weather Service in La Crosse says, “mild temperatures are on tap for today as most locations south of I-94 will likely hit the 40 degree mark this afternoon.”

Expecting Precipitation Monday Night

Light precipitation is expected late Monday night into Tuesday morning, mainly north of I-94. The Twin Cities NWS says, “Some light precipitation will pass to the north of I-94. It looks to be mostly light rain, but it could end up as freezing rain toward Rice Lake and Ladysmith in WI, depending on which side of freezing temperatures fall there.”

In northern Wisconsin, there is a greater concern for icy conditions. The La Crosse NWS says, “a weather disturbance will move through northern Wisconsin overnight, bringing the potential for a period of freezing rain to areas near and north of Hwy 29 in north-central WI, which may lead to a light glaze of ice prior to temperatures warming above freezing on Tuesday morning.”

Cold Front Approaching with Seasonal Temperatures

Colder air returns by midweek. The La Crosse office says, “temperatures return to seasonable by Wednesday with highs generally in the upper teens to lower 30s through Friday.”

Snow chances increase late in the week. The Twin Cities NWS says “it looks to snow much of Thursday and Friday, though snowfall amounts look light, with up to 4 inches of snow possible over the two days.” The La Crosse NWS also notes “additional accumulating snow chances move into the area Thursday and into Friday.”

Weather Systems Impacting Northeastern Minnesota

For northeastern Minnesota, the National Weather Service in Duluth says two systems will impact the region this week. “Two weather systems are ahead this week.” Forecasters say the first arrives tonight with “a messy mix,” noting that “freezing rain likely in many areas” could create slick conditions for the Tuesday morning commute.

A second system moves in later in the week, as “a clipper system brings snow back to the region Thursday and Friday." Snow accumulations are expected to be around 1-2 inches in the Northland.