Minnesotans are bracing for back-to-back snowstorms following some record warm temperatures. Basically, it's a traditional March and April in Minnesota.
It was a beautiful - and warm Sunday and Monday. But state climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld says the incoming systems are a classic example of Minnesota being Minnesota despite the recent shift from record breaking 85 degree temperatures just last week.
"The warm spell that we had about a week ago, over the weekend, that was unusual, and that was something that affected the entire western half of the country," Blumenfeld explains. "And seems to have a strong relationship to the way that the global climate is getting warmer. But in terms of snowstorms, snowstorms have been part of the climate of Minnesota springs as long as we've been here."
He adds these shifting temperatures are actually expected to provide some much needed moisture to combat local drought conditions without posing a significant threat to early blooming plants.
But that still doesn't mean it's easy for people to enjoy a day in shorts, only to be back in those parkas by the end of the week. Blumenfeld says the transition is a classic "spring whiplash."
"This is something that we've seen in a lot of different springs here in Minnesota, sometimes even more dramatic than than what we've seen so far," he adds.
Starting Tuesday morning, things shift. WCCO-TV Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer says some scattered rain showers could pop with some snow likely up in parts of northern Minnesota. And it comes in with a cold breeze.
"Notably cooler Tuesday, mostly cloudy with a high near 52," Shaffer says. "It'll feel like the 40s with that northwest wind 10 to 15 MPH. Wednesday will be an interesting day. Rain showers pop late with a good chance it changes over to snow after a high of 43."
Shaffer says they're keeping an eye on Thursday, and Friday - with a lot of attention being paid to Target Field where the Twins are scheduled to open the home season with a 3:10 p.m. first pitch against the Atlanta Braves. He says there is another chance of precipitation - and yes, snow - Thursday, and more Friday into Saturday.
FORECAST
TONIGHT: Scattered rain showers possible. Low: 37. N 8-10 mph.
TOMORROW: Mostly cloudy. High: 52. Low: 32. NW 10-15 mph.
WEDNESDAY: Rain to snow late. High: 43. Low: 31. E Wind 8-12 mph.
Snow/mix on Thursday…rain/mix late Friday into Saturday. Yuck.
Average high and low….49/31
