Fog returns Tonight. Dry Sunday. Showers develop Sunday Night.

Issued at 3:54 PM CDT, Saturday, March 30th, 2012

• A few Evening sprinkles/light rain showers
• Mainly dry on Sunday
• Chance for showers Sunday Night-early Tuesday, maybe some thunder in southern areas

Weather Tidbits:

-As of March 30th:  6,766 record high temperatures in the U.S. this month with 6,803 record high minimum temperatures.  (HAMweather)

-March 2012 will likely go down as the warmest on record at Duluth, Minnesota.  The average monthly temperature going into Today was 39.2 degrees.  The previous warmest March was 38.8 degrees set in 1878!

-April 2012 outlook for Duluth, Minnesota:  33% chance for above normal temperatures with equal chances for above, below or normal precipitation.  (CPC)

Weather History:

On this date in 2010 and 1986:  A record high temperature of 71 degrees occurred at Duluth, Minnesota.

Today's Weather Summary for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Another day filled with widespread low cloudiness, although skies were clearing in far Northwest parts of our area.  Since the clouds stuck around through the day, high temperatures ended up much cooler than expected by some 10-20 degrees.  Highs Today were mainly in the 40s with 30s in the Arrowhead.  A weak cold front has been moving E-SE out North Dakota Today, this front has generated a few light rain showers/sprinkles in parts of our area Today with a little bit of snow even occurring at times in far Northeast Minnesota.  Winds Today were out of the south, southwest or east at 5 to 15 mph.

Today's Upper Level Analysis:

500mb pattern continues to feature a west-east flow across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest with a disturbance moving east into the West half of Ontario Province while an upper level ridge builds north out of the Southern Plains per water vapor satellite imagery.  850mb temperatures as of 3pm ranged from -6C in Northeast Ontario Province to +4 to +8C in Northeast Minnesota to +16C in Southwest Minnesota to +20C in Southwest Nebraska.

Note:  Temperatures This Afternoon were in the mid 80s in Southern Nebraska and Western Iowa with 70s into Southwestern Minnesota.

Forecast Discussion for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Tonight (March 31st)

A weak cold front will be moving south and out of our area during the night.  Partly to mostly cloudy skies are forecast Tonight with a few sprinkles or brief light rain showers through mid-Evening.  Patchy fog is a possibility Tonight with lows mainly in the 40s with some 30s in Northeast Minnesota.  Winds will become north or east at 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday and Sunday Night (April 1st)

A warm front will be centered to our west/south during this period.  Partly to mostly cloudy skies are expected Tomorrow and Tomorrow Night with a chance for showers by Sunday Night in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.  Highs on Sunday will range from the 40s near Lake Superior with 50s and 60s elsewhere.  Lows Sunday Night will be in the 40s with 30s near Lake Superior.  Winds will be out of the east or southeast at 5 to 15 mph with gusts to 20 mph.  Elevated instability will be on the increase Sunday Night with MUCAPE of up to 500 j/kg, especially from Eastcentral Minnesota into Northwest Wisconsin...This could lead to a few thunderstorms by late Sunday Night with a risk for hail.

5% chance for severe weather Sunday Night in portions of the Northland.  The main risk would be from large hail.  (SPC)

Monday's chance for severe weather is at 5% with large hail and possibly damaging winds being the main threats in Eastcentral Minnesota and most of Wisconsin.  (SPC)

Extended Forecast, Monday-Wednesday (April 2nd-4th)

Low pressure will be passing through the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes on Monday while a cold front moves east-southeast across our area from Monday into Monday Night.  Showers are possible in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin from Monday into early Tuesday with a few thunderstorms possible on Monday, mainly in Northwest Wisconsin.  Dry weather should return for Tuesday and Wednesday.  Highs on Monday will be in the 40s and 50s.  Highs Tuesday and Wednesday should be mainly in the 50s.  Lows Monday Night and Tuesday Night will be in the 30s and 40s.

Long Range Forecast (April 5th-11th)

Next Thursday and Friday should be dry.  A chance for showers will return next weekend (April 7-9) as the next low pressure system and upper level trough passes through the Upper Midwest.

5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH/SUPERIOR

.Tonight...  Mostly cloudy, but some clearing is possible late.  Areas of fog.  Low 38 to 43.  Wind south to southwest at 10 to 20 mph, becoming northeast late.

.Sunday...  Areas of fog early.  Partly to mostly cloudy.  High 52 to 57 but around 40 near Lake Superior.  Wind east at 10 to 20 mph.

.Sunday Night...  Mostly cloudy.  Showers possible late.  Low 38 to 43.  Wind east at 10 to 20 mph.  Chance of rain 40%.

.Monday...  Mostly cloudy.  Occasional showers.  High 50 to 55 but cooler near Lake Superior.  Chance of rain 50%.

.Monday Night...  Mostly cloudy.  Showers possible.  Low 35 to 40.  Chance of rain 40%.

.Tuesday...  Partly sunny.  High 51 to 56.

.Tuesday Night...  Partly cloudy.  Low 33 to 38.

.Wednesday...  Partly cloudy.  High 51 to 56.

Normal temperatures for Today

High:  41
Low:  24

Sunrise Sunday:  6:47 AM CDT
Sunset Sunday:   7:39 PM CDT

Tim

Snow and rainfall report from Thursday Night. A few Saturday showers. 80s, maybe 90s in SW Minnesota this weekend!

Issued at 4:00 PM CDT, Friday, March 30th, 2012

• Patchy fog continues Tonight
• A few showers possible along with milder temperatures on Saturday
• Shower chances continue for Sunday and Monday

Snowfall report for Thursday, March 29th, 2012
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

Kabetogama, MN (St. Louis County)  4.7"
International Falls, MN (Koochiching County)  4.5"
3 miles north-northwest of Illgen City, MN (Lake County)  3.3"
3 miles east of Orr, MN (St. Louis County)  3.0"
14 miles west of Isabella, MN (Lake County)  3.0"
Silver Bay, MN (Lake County)  2.5"
Embarrass, MN (St. Louis County)  2.0"
Lutsen, MN (Cook County)  1.5"

5 miles northwest of Duluth, MN (St. Louis County)  0.10" A combination of sleet, freezing rain and snow accumulations measured at the National Weather Service.

Precipitation report for Thursday, March 29th, 2012
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth, MN:  0.26"
International Falls, MN:  0.77"
Brainerd, MN:  0.14"
Grand Marais, MN:  0.17"
Hibbing, MN:  0.41"
Hayward, WI:  0.18"
Ashland, WI:  0.11"
3 miles east of Wright, MN:  0.34"
Cass Lake, MN:  1.05"
12 miles north of Grand Rapids, MN:  0.60"
Northome, MN:  1.18"
Walker, MN:  0.60"
Cook, MN:  0.62"
Kabetogama, MN:  0.84"
9 miles north of Bayfield, WI:  0.17"
4 miles west of Clam Lake, WI:  0.17"
Sarona, WI:  0.18"

Two areas of heavier precip Thursday Night/Friday Morning.  One was from Northwest thru Northern Minnesota >0.75" amounts.  The other area was associated with the severe thunderstorms that affected parts of Iowa and Northern Missouri Thursday Night.  (MRCC)

Weather Tidbits:

-March 29th marked the 3rd time this month with a precipitation total of at least 0.25" at Duluth, Minnesota.  March 3rd:  0.33".  March 12th:  0.28".  March 29th:  0.26"

-Thru March 29th the average monthly temperature at Duluth, Minnesota:  39.3 degrees which is 13.7 degrees above normal.  There is a chance that March 2012 will go down as the warmest on record.  The previous warmest March on record was 38.8 degrees.

Today's Weather Summary for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Low pressure of 1006mb has moved into Northeast Indiana late This Afternoon.  This was the system that brought the snow, sleet and rain to our area last night.  Behind this storm there remains plenty of low level moisture and with light winds, low clouds and areas of fog developed.  Highs Today were in the 30s and 40s with calm or easterly winds around 10 mph.

Today's Upper Level Analysis:

A west to east 500mb flow continued across the Upper Midwest with several disturbances embedded within this flow continuing to move toward the east.  The 2 most notable disturbances were the one moving across the Ohio Valley and the other one was over Southeastern South Dakota per water vapor satellite imagery.  850mb temperatures as of 3pm ranged from 0 to -2C in Northeast Minnesota to +4C in Central Minnesota to +10C in far Southwest Minnesota.

Forecast Discussion for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Tonight (March 30th)

There might be some clearing during the night, but overall skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy.  Areas of fog will also continue with lows mainly in the 30s to around 40 degrees.  East or south winds are expected at around 10 mph.

Saturday and Saturday Night (March 31st)

Low pressure will pass by to our north while a cold front heads southeast through the area.  A few rain showers could develop near this cold front through Saturday Evening.  Partly to mostly cloudy skies are forecast this period with highs on Saturday in the 50s and 60s although far Northeast Minnesota might hold in the 40s, while the Brainerd Lakes area could get into the low 70s.  Lows Saturday Night will mainly be in the 40s.  South, southwest or north winds are expected this period at 5 to 15 mph with gusts to 20 mph.

Extended Forecast, Sunday-Tuesday (April 1st-3rd)

A warm front will be centered well to our south on Sunday.  This boundary will get shunted toward the east by a cold front and area of low pressure which will move out of the Northern Plains and through the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes early next week.  Should be dry on Sunday, then the chance for showers will increase a bit from Sunday Night into early Tuesday.  The best combination of instability and moisture should be south of our area, thus little if any thunderstorm activity is expected at this time.  Highs on Sunday will be in the 40s near Lake Superior with 50s and 60s elsewhere, although 70s are possible from the Brainerd Lakes to Pine City, and east to the Hayward Lakes.  Highs on Monday will be in the 40s and 50s with 60s possible around the Hayward Lakes.  Highs on Tuesday will be in the 40s and 50s.  Lows Sunday Night will be in the 40s and 50s.  Lows Monday Night will be in the 30s and 40s.

Note:  High temperatures could reach the 80s in portions of Western-Southwest Minnesota on Saturday and possibly even warmer on Sunday with 90 degrees a possibility!

1st map is the forecasted high temperatures for Saturday Afternoon per 4km NAM.  Note the 80s in Southwest Minnesota!

2nd map is the forecasted high temperatures for Sunday Afternoon per 4km NAM.  Note the 90s in parts of Southwest Minnesota!

Long Range Forecast (April 4th-10th)

The middle of next week looks dry and seasonable at this time.  The next Western U.S. trough and area of low pressure might be affecting the Upper Midwest sometime between April 6th-8th, this system could bring some rain to the region during the Eastern holiday weekend.  It appears that the easterly winds will become locked in once again with high pressure off to our northeast, might get a 1-2 day break from the easterlies early-middle part of next week, but they should be back once again by next Thursday.

HPC's 500mb forecast for next Friday, April 6th, 2012.  The dip (trough) moving into the Northwest U.S. could be moving into our area next weekend, bringing with it some inclement weather for the Easter bunny.

5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH/SUPERIOR

.Tonight...  Considerable cloudiness.  Areas of fog.  Low 32 to 36.  Wind east around 10 mph.

.Saturday...  Patchy fog possible early.  Becoming partly sunny.  Afternoon showers possible.  Milder.  High 58 to 63 but it may be cooler closer to Lake Superior.  Wind southwest at 10 to 20 mph.  Chance of rain 20%.

.Saturday Night...  Showers possible early.  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 40 to 45.  Wind north to northeast at 5 to 15 mph.  Chance of rain 20%.

.Sunday...  Partly sunny.  High 53 to 58 but in the 40s near Lake Superior.

.Sunday Night...  Mostly cloudy.  Showers possible.  Low 38 to 43.  Chance of rain 30%.

.Monday...  Mostly cloudy.  Showers possible.  High 50 to 55 but cooler near Lake Superior.  Chance of rain 50%.

.Monday Night...  Mostly cloudy.  Showers possible.  Low 35 to 40.  Chance of rain 40%.

.Tuesday...  Partly sunny.  High 50 to 55.

Normal temperatures for Today

High:  40
Low:  23

Sunrise Saturday:  6:49 AM CDT
Sunset Saturday:   7:37 PM CDT

Tim

Mother Nature reminding us that it's still March and yes we can still get wintry precipitation, enjoy!

Issued at 8:24 PM CDT, Thursday, March 29th, 2012

• Snow/rain/and some sleet Tonight
• Some accumulation of snow expected in parts of the area Tonight
• Gray skies continue for most of us on Friday
• A few showers possible this weekend

Today's Weather Summary for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Strong high pressure of 1030mb was in Northern Ontario Province with low pressure of 1004mb centered in Southeastern Nebraska.  A typical March pattern Today with the high to our north feeding dry/chilly air into Northeast Minnesota while farther inland temperatures remained around 5 degrees warmer than normal.  Some Morning sunshine gave way to increasing cloudiness.  Rain affected parts of Northcentral Minnesota Today while evaporative cooling caused the rain to mix with and change to snow and sleet at times during the Afternoon in parts of Northern Minnesota and the Iron Range.  A brief period of snow and sleet also moved through the Twin Ports around 2pm Today, but none of this stuck to the ground.  Highs Today ranged from the 30s to around 40 near Lake Superior with 40s and lower 50s elsewhere.  Winds were out of the east at 5 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph near Lake Superior.

Today's Upper Level Analysis:

A west to east 500mb flow was in place across the Upper Midwest per water vapor satellite imagery with several disturbances embedded within this flow heading through the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies and Upper Midwest.  The lead impulse was the strongest one with height falls up to 60 meters affecting parts of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest per RUC model analysis.  850mb temperatures as of 7pm ranged from 0 to -3C in far Northeast Minnesota to +5C in Central Minnesota to +9C in Southwest Minnesota.

Forecast Discussion for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Tonight (March 29th)

Low pressure will be moving through Iowa while a band of rain, snow and sleet continues north of this low across Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.  Patchy fog is also possible Tonight.  Lows will be in the 30s with some 20s in far Northeast Minnesota.  Winds will be out of the east at 5 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph near Lake Superior.

-Snow accumulations of 1-4" will occur Tonight along and north of Highway 2 in Northeast Minnesota.  International Falls, Bigfork, Hibbing, Cotton, Ely, Crane Lake, Isabella, BWCA, Gunflint Trail, the Arrowhead and the Higher Terrain along the North Shore of Lake Superior are some locations that will see accumulating snow during the night.  Some roads could become slippery Tonight and early Friday Morning.  Visibilities will drop to a mile or less in the heavier snow bands.

-A mixture of rain, sleet and snow will occur in the Twin Ports Tonight.  Snowfall accumulations of 1-2" may occur, especially on top of the hill.

*Still a slight risk for >4" of snow Tonight north-northeast of Duluth (HPC)

Friday and Friday Night (March 30th)

Patchy fog and drizzle is possible Tomorrow Morning with some flurries or light freezing drizzle near Lake Superior.  Mostly cloudy skies are forecast this period, although a bit of clearing could take place for a time Friday Afternoon, especially in Western-Southern parts of the area.  Highs Tomorrow will range from the 30s to around 40 near Lake Superior with 40s and 50s elsewhere.  Lows Tomorrow Night will be in the 30s and 40s.  Winds will be out of the east to southeast at 5 to 15 mph.

Extended Forecast, Saturday-Monday (March 31st-April 2nd)

A cold front will be moving through the Northland on Saturday.  This front could spawn some showers especially in Northern Minnesota.  Cold front stalls out to our south and turns into a warm front on Sunday, this boundary will stay well to our south through Monday as low pressure and an upper level trough move east out of the Northern and Central Plains.  This storm looks quite disorganized at the moment with multiple areas of low pressure.  It does appear that will get at least some rain between Sunday-early Tuesday, although the best chance for rain looks to be Monday/Monday Night.  There is also a chance for some snow or a rain/snow mix late Monday Night/Tuesday Morning, but any frozen precipitation doesn't look to be very significant at this time.  High temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s for Saturday and Sunday with 40s and 50s on Monday.  It will be much cooler near Lake Superior where highs in the 40s are expected, but we may get a wind shift to the SW on Saturday, if that occurs then temps even near the big lake could get close to 60 degrees on Saturday.  Low temperatures will be in the 40s for Saturday Night and Sunday Night.

Long Range Forecast (April 3rd-9th)

Low pressure and upper level trough exits to our east for next Tuesday, this should give way to a day or two of dry weather in our area.  Really isn't much consistency in the computer models during this period.  Some GFS and EUROPEAN runs show several systems tracking through or getting close to the Upper Midwest between April 5th-9th, while other runs really aren't showing much of anything.  The overall weather pattern seems to be changing and this might be the reason behind why the forecast models are showing some wild swings from one run to the next.  Temperature trends are also uncertain for the first 2 weeks of April, although it looks like the up and down trend will linger, with any cold shot being short lived.

5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH/SUPERIOR

.Tonight...  Occasional snow mixed with rain and sleet.  Areas of fog possible.  Total snowfall accumulations of 1-2" on top of the hill and 1" or less closer to Lake Superior.  Low 31 to 35.  Wind east at 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph.

.Friday...  Mostly cloudy.  Areas of fog, flurries and drizzle mainly during the Morning.  High 38 to 43.  Wind east at 5 to 15 mph.

.Friday Night...  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 32 to 37.  Wind east to southeast around 10 mph.

.Saturday...  Partly sunny.  High 58 to 63 but cooler near Lake Superior.

.Saturday Night...  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 40 to 45.

.Sunday...  Partly sunny.  High 48 to 53 but around 40 near Lake Superior.

.Sunday Night...  Mostly cloudy.  Low 38 to 43.

.Monday...  Mostly cloudy.  Showers possible.  High 45 to 50.  Chance of rain 30%.

Normal temperatures for Tomorrow

High:  40
Low:  23

Sunrise Friday:  6:51 AM CDT
Sunset Friday:   7:36 PM CDT

Tim

A complete wind report from Tuesday. Rain/snow with some sticking snow Thursday Night, especially north of the Twin Ports

Issued at 8:27 PM CDT, Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

• Quiet weather Tonight
• Rain moves into western parts of the area Thursday Afternoon
• Rain/snow for the entire Northland Thursday Night
• A few inches of snow likely Thursday Night, especially north of Duluth

Weather Tidbits:

*13,393 warm weather records in the U.S. just since March 1st, 2012 (Paul Douglas. St. Cloud Times)

*2,057 record high temperatures and 2,357 record high minimum temperatures in the U.S. from March 21st-28th.  (HAMweather)

*6 above! The low temperature one year ago Today at Duluth, Minnesota.

*Month to date precipitation total at Duluth, Minnesota:  1.35" which is 0.02" above average.

*Month to date snowfall total at Duluth, Minnesota:  11.9" which is 0.4" below average.

High temperature report for Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth, MN:  67 degrees
Brainerd, MN:  66 degrees
Hibbing, MN:  67 degrees
Ashland, WI:  72 degrees
Hayward, WI:  70 degrees
Sky Harbor, MN:  66 degrees
Bigfork, MN:  64 degrees
Aitkin, MN:  66 degrees
Moose Lake, MN:  68 degrees
Hinckley, MN:  66 degrees
Superior, WI:  70 degrees
Phillips, WI:  70 degrees
Park Falls, WI:  67 degrees
Gurney, WI:  68 degrees
Gordon, WI:  69 degrees

Wind gust report for Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

6 miles west-southwest of Spirit, WI:  48 mph
Phillips, WI:  41 mph
Superior, WI:  43 mph
3 miles northwest of Superior, WI:  43 mph
Siren, WI:  44 mph
Duluth, MN:  48 mph
3 miles east of Hinckley, MN:  41 mph
1 mile north of Knife River, MN:  57 mph
7 miles east of Silver Bay, MN:  53 mph
Brainerd, MN:  44 mph
3 miles west of Schley, MN:  41 mph

Today's Weather Summary for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

High pressure of 1024mb was building south out of Northern Ontario Province, but moisture wrapping around the deep low that moved through the area on Tuesday kept skies mostly cloudy thru mid-Afternoon, and there was also some scattered light rain showers which did mix with some snow.  Drier air moved into parts of the area during the Afternoon which resulted in a decrease in cloudiness.  Highs Today ranged from the upper 30s in far Northeast Minnesota with 40s and lower 50s common elsewhere.  Northwest winds Today were much lighter compared to 24 hours ago with wind speeds of 10 to 15 mph Today.

Today's Upper Level Analysis:

A quick moving upper level ridge was moving into the Upper Midwest This Evening per RUC model analysis.  Flow aloft was generally running west to east while a fairly strong disturbance moves east out of the Northwest U.S. per water vapor satellite imagery.  850mb temperatures as of 8pm ranged from 0 to -2C in Northern Minnesota to +2 to +8C in Western, Central and Southern Minnesota.

Forecast Discussion for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Tonight (March 28th)

Partly to mostly cloudy skies will continue as high pressure remains off to our north.  Lows will be in the 20s and 30s with winds becoming east at 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday and Thursday Night (March 29th)

High pressure will be centered to our northeast during this period while an upper level disturbance approaches from the Northern Plains with low pressure off to our southwest.  Clouds will increase during the Morning and early Afternoon. 

Rain will overspread the area from west to east Thursday Afternoon and early Thursday Evening.  The rain will then mix with and change to snow Thursday Night especially along and north of U.S. Highway 2 while the rest of our area continues to get some rain which could mix with snow at times.  High temperatures on Thursday will be in the 30s and 40s with lows Thursday Night in the 30s with some 20s in Northeast Minnesota.  Winds will be out of the east at 10 to 20 mph.

-Snow Thursday Night could accumulate to 1-3" from International Falls, Crane Lake and Ely, south to the Iron Range and west to Bigfork...This also includes the Arrowhead, Gunflint Trail areas as well as the Higher Terrain along the North Shore of Lake Superior.  Snow accumulations would likely be higher if it wasn't for the record warmth we've had in March which is resulting in warm ground temperatures, it will likely take some time for the snow to cool the ground enough before it starts to accumulate.  One thing that could off-set the warm ground temperatures would be if snowfall rates are heavy enough, if this occurs then accumulations could exceed 4" in a few spots up north.

-The Twin Ports appears to be on that transition line between rain or snow.  Recent runs per NAM, ECM and SREF models have been trending far enough south to give the Twin Ports some sticking snow Thursday Night while the GFS remains warmer keeping most of the precip as rain or a rain/snow mix with little or no accumulation.

-Winter weather headlines may be issued by the National Weather for some parts of the Northland by Thursday Morning.

*A continued slight risk for 4" or more of snow Thursday Night in parts of Northeast Minnesota per HPC.

HPC's >1" snowfall forecast thru 7pm Thursday.

HPC's >1" snowfall forecast for Thursday Night, 70-90% chance just N/NE of Duluth.

Extended Forecast, Friday-Sunday (March 30th-April 1st)

Low pressure disturbance exits to our east Friday Morning taking with it the rain or snow.  Should be dry Friday Afternoon through Sunday the way it looks now.  Temperatures will also warm up, especially away from Lake Superior.  Highs on Friday will be in the 30s and 40s.  Highs for Saturday and Sunday will reach the 50s and 60s with 70s possible on Sunday from the Brainerd Lakes to Hinckley, east to Hayward, Park Falls and Phillips.  Looks like an onshore wind will persist near Lake Superior Friday-Sunday resulting in much cooler temperatures, although there is a possibility for a wind shift on Saturday which would result in a very pleasant day even near Lake Superior.  A cold front will settle south during the weekend, this front is forecast to become stationary in Central Minnesota on Sunday as deep low pressure moves into the Northern and Central Plains.

Long Range Forecast (April 2nd-8th)

A strong area of low pressure will be moving north/east through the Central Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes early next week (April 2-3) Looks like will have some rain in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin next Monday and Tuesday, the rain could mix with or end as some snow in parts of the Northland.  Looks a bit drier toward mid-week.  Then the next system could be heading toward the region around the Easter holiday weekend (April 6-8)

5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH/SUPERIOR

.Tonight...  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 30 to 35.  Wind becoming east at 5 to 15 mph.

.Thursday...  Increasing cloudiness.  Rain possible after 4pm.  High 39 to 44.  Wind east at 10 to 20 mph.  Chance of rain 30%.

.Thursday Night...  Occasional rain.  The rain could mix with snow.  Low 33 to 35.  Wind east at 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 25 mph.  Chance of precipitaiton 80%.

.Friday...  Rain or snow possible during the Morning.  Mostly cloudy.  High 39 to 43.  Chance of precipitation 50%.

.Friday Night...  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 32 to 37.

.Saturday...  Partly sunny.  High 58 to 63 but cooler near Lake Superior.

.Saturday Night...  Partly cloudy.  Low 40 to 45.

.Sunday...  Partly sunny.  High 48 to 53 but around 40 near Lake Superior.

Normal temperatures for Tomorrow

High:  40
Low:  23

Sunrise Thursday:  6:53 AM CDT
Sunset Thursday:   7:35 PM CDT

Tim

Wicked winds and a dry slot on Tuesday! Cooler and less wind for Wednesday. Rain/snow Thursday PM-Friday AM.

Issued at 9:06 PM CDT, Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

• Overcast with spotty light precip and brisk winds Overnight
• Cooler temps and less wind for Wednesday
• Next system arrives Thursday and brings rain/snow to the area into Friday Morning

Precipitation report for Monday-Tuesday Morning, March 26th-27th, 2012
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

Kabetogama, MN:  0.23"
International Falls, MN:  0.22"
Grand Portage, MN:  0.20"
Grand Marais, MN:  0.19"
Cook, MN:  0.19"
Finland, MN:  0.17"

Heaviest precip Monday Night was in Northern Minnesota.  Up to 1/2" toward the Ontario border!

Weather Tidbits:

-High temperature of 35 degrees at Duluth, Minnesota on March 26th was our coldest high temperature since March 9th (26 degrees) Monday was also the 1st time since March 9th with a below average high temperature.

-Thru March 26th:  Record warmest March in history at both Duluth and International Falls, Minnesota.  The average monthly temperature at Duluth:  39.1 degrees while International Falls was at 37.9 degrees.  The previous record warmest March at Duluth was 38.8 degrees and at International Falls it was 34.4 degrees set just 2 years ago in 2010.  (NWS Duluth)

Today's Weather Summary for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Strong area of low pressure averaging 995mb has moved to near Thunder Bay Ontario Canada as of 8pm.  This system brought some strong thunderstorms to far Northern Minnesota late Monday Night with some small hail reported in a few spots.  Scattered showers also occurred throughout the area Monday Night with some freezing rain in the Arrowhead.  A dry slot passed through the Northland This Morning into mid-Afternoon which resulted in a decrease in clouds and a nice temperature recovery.  Highs ranged from the 50s in far Northern Minnesota to the 60s and lower 70s elsewhere.  Winds shifted to the south/west Today while increasing to 15 to 30 mph with gusts >45 mph!  Cold air induced stratocumulus clouds pushed south/east into our area by late Afternoon with some spotty light showers in Northern Minnesota.

Note:  Visible satellite loop from earlier Today.  Shows the dry-slot, clear sky area passing thru Minnesota as deep low pressure passes northwest of the state Today.  This was a text book storm!

Today's Upper Level Analysis:

A powerful surface/upper level low with it's 90-150 meter 12 hour height falls continued to move east through the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Ontario Province Canada per RUC model analysis and water vapor satellite imagery.  Generally speaking the flow aloft was running west-east from the Northern Rockies and Upper Midwest.  850mb temperatures as of 8pm ranged from 0C in the Northwest half of Minnesota to +6 to +12C in Southern Minnesota.

Forecast Discussion for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Rest of Tonight (March 27th)

Low pressure will pass just north of Lake Superior Overnight with cold air advection and mostly cloudy skies occurring in our area on the backside of this low.  Areas of light rain and drizzle will also occur for the remainder of the night, and some light snow/flurries could mix in with the rain mainly north of Highway 2 after Midnight.  Lows will be in the 30s to around 40s with winds out of the west at 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph.

Map below is valid for 7am Wednesday. Could be a few snowflakes late Tonight and Tomorrow Morning, especially north of Duluth.

Wednesday and Wednesday Night (March 28th)

Partly to mostly cloudy skies are forecast during this period as an area of high pressure passes through the region.  Could be some scattered showers of rain and or snow on Wednesday with dry weather for Wednesday Night.  Highs Tomorrow will be running 10-20 degrees colder compared to Tuesday with highs mainly in the 40s, but some spots in far Northern Minnesota might stay in the 30s.  Lows Wednesday Night will be in the 20s and 30s.  Winds will be out of the north/northwest at 10 to 25 mph on Wednesday.  Winds Tomorrow Night will be shifting to the east at 5 to 15 mph.

Extended Forecast, Thursday-Saturday (March 29th-31st)

The next weather system to affect us will come through Thursday Afternoon-Friday Morning.  This one looks to bring some rain to Northern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin, but enough cold air should be in place for either a rain/snow mix or an all snow event in Northeast Minnesota. 

Right now it appears that Lake and Cook Counties as well as Northern St. Louis County in Northeast Minnesota have the best chance for some wintry precip Thursday Night, this would include cities such as Crane Lake, Ely, Isabella as well as the Higher Terrain along the North Shore of Lake Superior, the Arrowhead and Gunflint Trail areas.  Snowfall accumulations could reach 1-3" in these areas by Friday Morning.

A slight risk for snowfall totals to reach or exceed 4" in extreme Northeast Minnesota Thursday Night/Friday Morning per HPC.

Precipitation will end by Friday Afternoon with mainly dry weather expected for Friday Night and Saturday.

Highs will be mainly in the 40s on Thursday and Friday with highs on Saturday in the 50s and 60s.  It will be much cooler all 3 days near Lake Superior.  Lows will be in the 30s to near 40 degrees Thursday Night and Friday Night.

Long Range Forecast (April 1st-7th)

Computer models are slowly coming into agreement during this period, but there continues to be some differences as the overall weather pattern seems to be changing as we head into early April.  Looks like will see a strong area of low pressure pass through the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, this low may cut-off during the early/mid part of next week.  Looks like will get some rain in the Northland from Sunday-Tuesday (1st-3rd) There's also a chance that the rain could mix with or switch over to snow at some-point early next week.  Note:  Prior model runs especially the EUROPEAN have been showing a substanial amount of snow for parts of the Northland next Monday-Tuesday.  Stay tuned!  No real consistency seen in either the GFS or EUROPEAN when it comes to temperatures.  Some model runs show a colder pattern setting up for early April, others have a continued see-saw temperature pattern..One day cold, one day warm.

Here's the forecast map for Sunday Morning, April 1st (HPC)

And the surface map for Tuesday Morning, April 3rd (HPC)  Could be a potent storm affecting the area with rain and maybe even some snow.  Stay tuned!

5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH/SUPERIOR

.Tonight...  Windy.  Mostly cloudy.  Light rain and drizzle at times.  Low 33 to 37.  Wind west at 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph.

.Wednesday...  Considerable cloudiness.  A few showers possible.  High 43 to 48.  Wind northwest at 10 to 20 mph.  Chance of rain 30%.

.Wednesday Night...  Becoming mostly clear.  Low 25 to 30.  Wind becoming east around 10 mph.

.Thursday...  Increasing cloudiness.  Rain possible late.  High 40 to 45.  Chance of rain 30%.

.Thursday Night...  Occasional rain.  Mostly cloudy.  Low 33 to 36.  Chance of rain 70%.

.Friday...  Rain possible early.  Considerable cloudiness.  High 40 to 45.  Chance of rain 40%.

.Friday Night...  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 32 to 37.

.Saturday...  Partly sunny.  High 50 to 55 but cooler near Lake Superior.

Normal temperatures for Tomorrow

High:  40
Low:  22

Sunrise Wednesday:  6:55 AM CDT
Sunset Wednesday:   7:33 PM CDT

Tim

Wind/showers/ice pellets/thunder Tonight! Near 60 in Duluth on Tuesday

Issued at 4:04 PM CDT, Monday, March 26th, 2012

• A strong spring storm to impact our weather into Tuesday Night
• Some rain, thunder and ice Tonight and Tuesday Morning
• Gusty winds thru Tuesday Night
• Another system possible late this week
• Major model differences showing up this weekend thru next week

Weather History:

On this date in 2007:  A record high temperature of 72 degrees occurred at Duluth, Minnesota.

Today's Weather Summary for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Deep low pressure of 994mb was centered in Northern Wyoming as of 3pm with high pressure of 1036mb over Eastern Ontario Province.  A huge temperature and dewpoint contrast was in place across the region Today.  At 3pm it was 30 degrees at Grand Marais, MN with a dewpoint of 12 while it was 78 degrees at Pierre, SD with a dewpoint of 54.  Sunshine was abundant in the Arrowhead of Minnesota Today with mostly cloudy-partly sunny skies elsewhere.  There have been a few showers of rain and even some sleet passing through portions of Eastcentral Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin Today.  Highs were in the 30s and 40s with easterly winds at 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph near Lake Superior.

Today's Upper Level Analysis:

A powerful negatively tilted 500mb trough was lifting northeast through the Northern Rockies and into Western High Plains late This Afternoon per water vapor satellite imagery with height falls of 60-120 meters per RUC model analysis.  850mb temperatures as of 3pm ranged from -16C in Central Quebec Province to 0 to -2C in far Northeast Minnesota to +10 to +14C in Southwest Minnesota to +20C in Central Nebraska.

3 hour water vapor satellite loop showing the strong storm system coming out of the Rockies Today.

Forecast Discussion for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Tonight (March 26th)

A strong area of low pressure averaging 987-991mb will move into the Northern Plains while a warm front heads northeast toward Eastern Minnesota during the night.  Low level jet will increase to 50-70 knots Tonight which will result in a warm/moist advection pattern spreading into the Northland.  Expect bands of rain showers through the night with scattered thunderstorms also possible as elevated instability rises to 100-300 j/kg during the night.  Locally heavy downpours and occasional lightning strikes along with some small hail will be the main threats from any thunderstorm Tonight.  Very dry air in place across the area could also lead to some ice pellets in the heavier showers.

Freezing rain is still expected late Tonight in parts of Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin...The most likely area to see some ice accumulations would be in Lake and Cook Counties Minnesota, especially along the Higher Terrain along the North Shore of Lake Superior, and also in the Arrowhead and Gunflint Trail areas.  Some icing is also possible in parts of Ashland, Iron and Price Counties in Northwest Wisconsin.

Mostly cloudy skies are forecast Tonight with steady temperatures in the 30s and 40s, but 20s are possible in far Northeast Minnesota.  Winds will be out of the east or southeast at 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph.

Large hail threat for Tonight:  5% chance for much of Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Minnesota per SPC.

Damaging wind threat for Tonight:  5% chance for much of Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Minnesota per SPC.

0.25" or greater Ice Accumulation forecast for Tonight per HPC.  Slight risk covers far Northeast Minnesota, northeast of Duluth.

Tuesday and Tuesday Night (March 27th)

Deep area of low pressure averaging 991mb will move from Central North Dakota to the Minnesota-Ontario border on Tuesday.  This low will then exit to our east by Tuesday Night.

-Occasional rain showers will affect Northern Minnesota and the Arrowhead on Tuesday with highs mainly in the 40s.

-Scattered Morning showers and perhaps a thunderstorm or two will be found in Eastcentral Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.  These areas will then be affected by the dry-slot which should result in many dry conditions Tomorrow Afternoon with a few showers possibly redeveloping by late in the Afternoon.  Highs will be in the 50s and 60s with an outside shot of reaching 70 degrees around Hayward, Park Falls and Phillips, Wisconsin.

-Strong winds will also occur during this period.  Winds will shift to the S/SW on Tuesday and to the west for Tuesday Night.  Wind speeds will range from 15 to 25 mph with stronger gusts approaching 40 mph from the Brainerd Lakes to I35 corridor, east to Superior, Solon Springs and Siren, Wisconsin.

-Tuesday Night:  Expect mostly cloudy skies with cold air advection on the backside of the departing low.  Wrap around showers should occur in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin with some snow possibly mixing in with the rain in Northern Minnesota.  Lows Tomorrow Night will be in the 30s and 40s.

Note:  Precipitation totals in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin should be in the 0.10-0.25" range between Tonight and Tuesday Night with higher amounts >0.50" possible in far Northern Minnesota.

Extended Forecast, Wednesday-Friday (March 28th-30th)

Could be some lingering rain/snow showers around the area Wednesday Morning...Should be dry then from Wednesday Afternoon into Thursday Morning as high pressure builds south out of Central Canada.  The next system looks to come through Thursday Afternoon into Friday bringing with it some rain or possibly a rain/snow mix.  Highs will mainly be in the 40s from Wednesday through Friday with lows in the 30s Wednesday Night and Thursday Night.

Long Range Forecast (March 31st-April 6th)

Model agreement is extremely poor during this whole period.  It does appear that a pattern change is coming, but the computer models are struggling with the details.

12z GFS shows multiple deep areas of low pressure and a potent upper level trough across the Plains and Upper Midwest for Sunday and Monday...Then, the GFS closes a low off and stalls it out across the Upper Midwest the early-mid part of next week.  Result from this would be rain at 1st, then the rain would mix with or turn over to snow next week.  In fact, there could be enough snow/wind to cause some problems in some parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota.

12z ECMWF has a system passing northwest of our area on Sunday and then shows a stormier pattern evolving, but not until the middle of next week, or toward April 4th.  In fact the pattern the ECM shows for next week resembles a winter one with cold air bleeding south out of Canada, spilling into the Western U.S. while a major trough sets up in the Western-Central U.S.  End result from this could be anything from snow, maybe some ice to a severe weather outbreak.

It's probably going to take several days for the models to latch onto a common solution for the Sunday (March 31) thru Friday (April 6) time frame.

5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH/SUPERIOR

*WIND ADVISORY*
12pm Tuesday until 7pm Tuesday

.Tonight...  Windy.  Occasional rain and sleet showers.  Isolated thunderstorms also possible.  Low 30 to 35.  Wind east at 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph.

.Tuesday...  Windy.  Showers at times.  Considerable cloudiness, but a period of sunshine is possible from late Morning into mid-Afternoon.  Warmer.  High 56 to 61.  Wind southeast at 10 to 20 mph during the Morning becoming south to southwest at 15 to 30 mph during the Afternoon.  Winds could gust to 40 mph during the Afternoon.  Chance of rain 40%.

.Tuesday Night...  Windy.  Mostly cloudy.  Showers possible.  Low 35 to 40.  Wind west to southwest at 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph during the Evening.  Chance of rain 30%.

.Wednesday...  Becoming partly sunny.  High 45 to 50.

.Wednesday Night...  Partly cloudy.  Low 25 to 30.

.Thursday...  Mostly cloudy.  High 40 to 45.

.Thursday Night...  Mostly cloudy.  Rain possible.  Low 35 to 40.  Chance of rain 40%.

.Friday...  Mostly cloudy.  Rain possible.  High 40 to 45.  Chance of rain 40%.

Normal temperatures for Today

High:  39
Low:  22

Sunrise Tuesday:  6:57 AM CDT
Sunset Tuesday:   7:32 PM CDT

Tim

Ice and Wind Headlines

Issued at 3:37 PM CDT, Monday, March 26th, 2012

*WIND ADVISORY*
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

A wind advisory is in effect from 12 PM Tuesday until 7 PM Tuesday for the following Counties: 

In Minnesota:  Cass...Crow Wing...Aitkin...Pine...Carlton...and Southern St. Louis. 

In Wisconsin:  Douglas and Burnett. 

Some cities included in the advisory are:  Cass Lake MN...Walker MN...Leader MN...Brainerd MN...Aitkin MN...McGregor MN...Hill City MN...Pine City MN...Hinckley MN...Moose Lake MN...Duluth MN...Floodwood MN...Superior WI...Solon Springs WI...and Siren WI.

Discussion:  Strong southwest winds at 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph will develop Tuesday Afternoon.

Impacts:  Driving conditions could become hazardous especially for high profile vehicles.

A wind advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected.  Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.  Use extra caution.

*FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY*
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

A freezing rain advisory is in effect from 10 PM This Evening until 10 AM Tuesday for the following Counties:  In Minnesota:  Cook and Lake.  In Wisconsin:  Ashland...Iron...and Price.  Some cities included in the advisory are:  Grand Portage MN...Grand Marais MN...Lutsen MN...Isabella MN...Silver Bay MN...Finland MN...Two Harbors MN...Ashland WI...Butternut WI...Gile WI...Upson WI...Hurley WI...Park Falls WI...and Phillips WI.

Discussion:  Freezing rain or mixed rain and freezing rain will develop late This Evening and will continue into Tuesday Morning.

Total ice accumulations:  Around 0.10" of ice accumulation is expected by Tuesday Morning with higher amounts of up to 0.25" possible in portions of Northeast Minnesota.

Impacts:  Ice accumulation from freezing rain will make driving and walking dangerous if not hazardous.

A freezing rain advisory means that periods of freezing rain or freezing drizzle will cause travel difficulties.  Be prepared for slippery roads.  Slow down and use caution while driving.

Light brown=wind advisory
Purple=freezing rain advisory

Tim

A chilly lake breeze in the Twin Ports on Monday. Some rain Monday Night, Ice north-northeast of Duluth? Near 60 on Tuesday?

Issued at 7:21 PM CDT, Sunday, March 25th, 2012

• Dry and cool Tonight
• Strong low pressure to bring some wind and precipitation to the area Monday-early Wednesday
• Another system possible late in the week

Weather Tidbits:

*Low temperature of 30 degrees at Duluth, Minnesota on March 25th is the 1st time since March 10th with a low temperature at or colder than 32 degrees.

*High temperature of 70 degrees at Duluth, Minnesota on March 25th marks the 4th time this month with a high temperature of at least 70 degrees.

*8 days so far this month at or above 70 degrees in the Twin Cities.  This breaks the record for 70 degree days during the month of March.  The previous record was 5 days in 1910.  (Paul Douglas. St. Cloud Times)

High temperature report for Saturday, March 24th, 2012
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth, MN:  70 degrees
Hibbing, MN:  67 degrees
Ashland, WI:  64 degrees
Pine River, MN:  68 degrees
Aitkin, MN:  70 degrees
Moose Lake, MN:  70 degrees
Hinckley, MN:  70 degrees
Cloquet, MN:  70 degrees
McGregor, MN:  70 degrees
Superior, WI:  70 degrees
7 miles northwest of Brainerd, MN:  69 degrees
4 miles west of Clam Lake, WI:  65 degrees
Solon Springs, WI:  68 degrees
Winter, WI:  66 degrees

***RECORD EVENT***

Saturday, March 24th, 2012

A record high temperature of 70 degrees at Duluth, Minnesota.  The previous record was 64 degrees set in 1928 and 1910.  (NWS)

The week of March 18 was another warm one in Duluth.  Here are the high temperatures from March 18th-24th and the departure from average.

March 18th:  73 degrees/38 degrees above average
March 19th:  72 degrees/37 degrees above average
March 20th:  62 degrees/26 degrees above average
March 21st:  58 degrees/22 degrees above average
March 22nd: 54 degrees/17 degrees above average
March 23rd:  48 degrees/11 degrees above average
March 24th:  70 degrees/32 degrees above average

Low temperatures in Duluth from March 18th-24 and the departure from average.

March 18th:  50 degrees/32 degrees above average
March 19th:  40 degrees/29 degrees above average
March 20th:  50 degrees/31 degrees above average
March 21st:  39 degrees/19 degrees above average
March 22nd:  39 degrees/19 degrees above average
March 23rd:  42 degrees/22 degrees above average
March 24th:  37 degrees/16 degrees above average

Today's Weather Summary for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

A much cooler day compared to the record warmth we've seen as of late, but temperatures Today were still above average by around 10 degrees for most of us.  Highs were in the 40s and 50s with middle to upper 30s in far Northern Minnesota which is right around normal for late March.  Sunny to partly cloudy skies were found in our area Today with north winds at 10 to 20 mph.

Today's Upper Level Analysis:

500mb trough was digging SE out of Central-Eastern Canada...W/NW upper level flow was found over the Upper Midwest behind that trough.  Meanwhile a new upper trough was over the Western U.S.  850mb temperatures as of 7pm ranged from -12 to -16C from far Northern Lake Superior through Central/Northern Ontario Province to 0 to -6C in Northern Minnesota to +6 to +10C in Southern Minnesota per RUC model analysis.

Forecast Discussion for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Tonight (March 25th)

Clear to partly cloudy skies will be found in our area Tonight as strong high pressure of around 1032mb remains in Ontario Province.  Lows will be in the 20s and 30s, but some teens are possible in far Northern Minnesota into the Arrowhead.  North or east winds are forecast at 5 to 15 mph.

Monday and Monday Night (March 26th)

High pressure of 1030-1035mb moves into Eastern Canada while low pressure of 988-993mb moves into the Western High Plains.  Southerly winds will develop between the high to our east and low off to our west.  Strong warm and moist advection pattern will develop especially by Monday Night when a warm front lifts north out of Southern Minnesota.  Low level jet is forecast to increase to 45-60 knots by Monday Night which will increase the elevated instability as MUCAPE builds to 100-300 j/kg.  A few rain showers could pass through Western-Southern parts of our area on Monday with dry conditions in Northern Minnesota.  Highs Tomorrow will be in the 30s and 40s.  The chance for rain will increase area-wide Monday Night as the main push of moisture heads this way, could even be a few thunderstorms as well.

With dry air coming down Lake Superior, the potential does exist for some freezing rain or sleet Monday Night and Tuesday Morning, especially north-northeast of Duluth and for inland locations along the Higher Terrain of the North Shore of Lake Superior, this also includes the Arrowhead and Gunflint Trail areas.  Right now this doesn't look to be a significant ice event, but even minor ice accumulations could create difficult driving conditions late Monday Night and Tuesday Morning.

Low temperatures Monday Night will hold steady in the 30s and 40s with a few spots in Northeast Minnesota in the 20s.  Winds during this period will be out of the east or southeast at 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph especially near Lake Superior.

HPC's 0.25" or greater Ice Accumulation forecast for Monday Night-Tuesday Morning.  Far Northeast Minnesota in a slight risk for ice accumulations up to 1/4".

HPC's forecast of Ice Accumulations >0.01" for Monday Night/Tuesday Morning.

A general thunderstorm risk for all but Eastern Minnesota for Monday-early Tuesday per SPC.  Isolated risk for severe thunderstorms for Western Minnesota, a better chance for a few severe storms in the Dakotas.

Extended Forecast, Tuesday-Thursday (March 27th-29th)

A deep area of low pressure averaging 991mb is forecast to move through Northern Minnesota on Tuesday, this low will then pass out into Lake Superior, or move just north of Lake Superior by late Tuesday Night/Wednesday.  Some rain and showers should continue in the Northland on Tuesday, although the best chance for rain should be along and north of the Iron Range based on the latest storm track.  A dry slot should affect Northwest Wisconsin and areas along and south of Highway 2 in Minnesota which will result in only a couple showers during the day Tuesday.

Note:  Here's the latest storm track for Monday-early Wednesday per HPC.

Wrap around showers are possible Tuesday Night-Wednesday Morning...Then it looks dry from Wednesday Afternoon into Thursday as high pressure passes through Central Canada.  High temperatures on Tuesday will range from the 40s in Northern Minnesota with 50s and 60s in Eastern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.  Lows Tuesday Night will mainly be in the 30s.  Highs on Wednesday and Thursday will be in the 40s with lows Wednesday Night in the 20s and 30s.

Long Range Forecast (March 30th-April 5th)

It does appear that were going to see a pattern shift sometime in early April.  Colder temperatures look to move into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes with this pattern change, with the coldest air possibly arriving sometime after April 3rd or 4th.  Could see some rain around the area on Friday (30th) then a new system could affect the Upper Midwest sometime between April 1st-3rd, this one could also bring some rain to the Upper Midwest.  Note:  The EUROPEAN model continues to show enough cold air in place for some snow this coming Friday and then again late next weekend, in fact the EURO and GFS vary greatly with the overall pattern starting late this week.

5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH/SUPERIOR

.Tonight...  Mostly clear.  Low 25 to 30.  Wind east at 10 to 20 mph.

.Monday...  Breezy.  Partly cloudy with increasing cloudiness during the Afternoon.  High 36 to 41.  Wind east at 15 to 25 mph.

.Monday Night...  Breezy.  Mostly cloudy.  Occasional rain showers.  Thunder possible.  Low 33 to 36.  Wind east at 15 to 25 mph.  Chance of rain 60%.

.Tuesday...  Breezy.  Mostly cloudy with a few showers early.  Becoming partly cloudy from late Morning through Mid-Afternoon.  Turning mostly cloudy once again by late Afternoon.  Warmer.  High 57 to 62.  Wind becoming south to southwest at 15 to 30 mph.  Chance of rain 40%.

.Tuesday Night...  Breezy.  Mostly cloudy.  Showers possible.  Low 35 to 40.  Chance of rain 30%.  West to southwest winds could occasionally gust to 30 mph.

.Wednesday...  Partly sunny.  High 45 to 50.

.Wednesday Night...  Partly cloudy.  Low 25 to 30.

.Thursday...  Mostly cloudy.  High 40 to 45.

Normal temperatures for Tomorrow

High:  39
Low:  22

Sunrise Monday:  6:59 AM CDT
Sunset Monday:   7:30 PM CDT

Tim

Record warmth in Duluth Today! Cooler temperatures Sunday and Monday. Gusty east wind develops near Lake Superior on Monday.

Issued at 4:55 PM CDT, Saturday, March 24th, 2012

• Cooler temperatures moving in thru Monday
• A strong spring storm for early next week, possible icy mix northeast of Duluth?
• Severe thunderstorm potential in Western Minnesota Monday
• Another system possible late next week

Weather Tidbits:

*0.54" of rain fell at Duluth, Minnesota between March 19th-22nd.

*18 preliminary tornado reports in the U.S. on Friday, March 23rd.  Tornadoes were reported in Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Georgia and Indiana.  (SPC)

*360 preliminary tornado reports in the U.S. so far this year.  Kentucky leads the way with 59 tornadoes.  Alabama is 2nd at 49 and Louisiana rounds out the top 3 with 32 tornadoes.  (SPC)

Today's Weather Summary for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Low clouds and fog earlier in the day gave way to some Afternoon sunshine.  Unseasonably warm temperatures continued Today with highs in the 60s to around 70 degrees.  Cooler 40s were found in Downtown Duluth and also along the Ontario border.  Winds Today were out of the west, northwest or east at around 10 mph.

Today's Upper Level Analysis:

500mb lows were in place over Tennessee and just off the U.S. West Coast per water vapor satellite imagery.  A westerly flow aloft was occurring in the Upper Midwest in between these two systems.  Colder air has moved into Central-Western Canada where late Afternoon 850mb temperatures ranged from -2 to -10C.  Still lots of warm air in the Upper Midwest with 850mb temperatures ranging from +2 to +8C in the Northwest half of Minnesota to +10C in Central and Southern Minnesota.

Forecast Discussion for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Tonight (March 24th)

A cold front will move southeast and through our area This Evening.  A weak corridor of instability has formed near this boundary with CAPE of around 150 j/kg and Lifted Indices around 0C.  Isolated showers cannot be ruled out in Eastcentral Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin before Midnight, but the majority of the area will be dry Tonight under partly to mostly cloudy skies.  Lows will be in the 20s and 30s with winds turning to the north/northwest at 10 to 20 mph.

Sunday and Sunday Night (March 25th)

Strong area of high pressure of around 1033mb will move into Manitoba Province while low pressure heads into the NorthCentral Rockies/Western High Plains.  Dry weather is forecast on Sunday with partly cloudy skies.  Highs will be cooler compared to Today, but still above normal for late March.  Highs will be in the 40s to lower 50s, but some spots up North might stay in the 30s.  Lows Sunday Night will be in the 20s to around 30, but some teens are possible in Northeast Minnesota.  Partly to mostly cloudy skies are expected Tomorrow Night.  Winds will be out of the north/northwest at 10 to 20 mph on Sunday and will shift to the east Sunday Night at 5 to 15 mph.

Extended Forecast, Monday-Wednesday (March 26th-28th)

>1030mb high will cover Central-Eastern Canada on Monday and Tuesday while strong low pressure of around 990mb moves from the Northern Plains on Monday, to the Lake Superior region by Tuesday Night.  This looks to be a fairly typical spring storm with gusty winds, a risk for severe weather and perhaps even a little frozen precipitation.

Monday will feature increasing cloudiness across the area with some rain showers possible.  The chance for rain will increase Monday Night into Tuesday as the main surge of moisture lifts through the area.  Some lingering rain showers are then possible for Tuesday Night-Wednesday Morning with dry weather returning Wednesday Afternoon/Night.

The presence of the high to our northeast will allow colder/drier air to advect off Lake Superior for Monday through Tuesday Morning and this could present some precipitation type issues especially along the Higher Terrain along the North Shore and Arrowhead of Minnesota.  Freezing rain, sleet and wet snow could mix with the rain at times in that area from Monday Night through Tuesday Morning and there could be some accumulation of ice and or snow.

The remainder of our area should be warm enough to see mostly rain Monday Night-Tuesday Morning.  A very strong low level jet of 45-70 knots will overspread the Upper Midwest Monday Night and this should help to increase the elevated instability which will lead to a risk for some thunderstorms in Minnesota.  Could even be some severe weather with large hail in Western Minnesota late Monday Afternoon/Evening.

Temperatures Monday and Monday Night will be in the 30s and 40s with some 20s possible in far Northeast Minnesota.  Highs on Tuesday will be in the 40s and 50s, but some 60s are possible in Northwest Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota.  Lows Tuesday Night will be in the 30s to around 40 with highs on Wednesday mainly in the 40s.

0.01" or greater Ice Accumulation forecast 7pm Sunday-7pm Monday per HPC.

0.01" or greater Ice Accumulation forecast 7pm Momday-7pm Tuesday per HPC.

Map below is the 18z NAM forecast for Monday Night-Tuesday Morning.  Surface temps around 30 in the NE Minnesota might lead to a bit of ice or wet snow, especially northeast of Duluth.  Stay tuned!

A very strong SW low level jet will be in place Monday Night, this could lead to a few thunderstorms around the Northland Monday Night.

Storm Prediction Center has a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms in parts of Westcentral Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota for Monday/Monday Night, March 26th.

Long Range Forecast (March 29th-April 4th)

Dry weather should occur on Thursday (29th)  Friday-Saturday (30th-31st) could be wet at times with some possible rain for Northern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.  Might dry out on Sunday (1st)  then the next system could be taking aim at the Upper Midwest during the 2nd-4th.  Note:  12z EURO has enough cold air in place to produce a period of snow next Friday and this model also shows a potential snow system for April 2nd-3rd.

5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH/SUPERIOR

.Tonight...  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 31 to 36.  Wind north to northwest at 10 to 20 mph.

.Sunday...  Partly cloudy.  Around 20 degrees cooler compared to Today, but still above normal!  High 46 to 51.  Wind north at 10 to 20 mph.

.Sunday Night...  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 28 to 33.  Wind east at 5 to 15 mph.

.Monday...  Breezy.  Increasing cloudiness.  High 38 to 43.  Wind east at 15 to 25 mph.

.Monday Night...  Breezy.  Occasional rain.  Thunder possible.  Low 33 to 38.  Wind east at 15 to 25 mph.  Chance of rain 70%.

.Tuesday...  Occasional showers.  Mostly cloudy.  High 50 to 55 but cooler near Lake Superior.  Chance of rain 70%.

.Tuesday Night...  Mostly cloudy.  Showers possible.  Low 35 to 40.  Chance of rain 30%.

.Wednesday...  Partly sunny.  High 45 to 50.

Normal temperatures for Tomorrow

High:  38
Low:  21

Sunrise Sunday:  7:01 AM CDT
Sunset Sunday:   7:29 PM CDT

Tim

Pea soup fog continues in the Twin Ports thru Saturday AM. Frozen precip possible NE of Duluth next Monday Night/Tuesday AM?

Issued at 3:47 PM CDT, Friday, March 23rd, 2012

• Scattered showers and dense fog Tonight
• Spotty Saturday showers, lingering fog?
• Drier/cooler air invades the area on Sunday
• Strong spring storm to hit the region early next week

Rainfall report for Thursday-Friday Morning, March 22nd-23rd, 2012
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

Kabetogama, MN:  1.29"
International Falls, MN:  0.68"
3 miles east of Orr, MN:  0.59"
Cook, MN:  0.54"
8 miles south of Bigfork, MN:  0.45"
Grand Marais, MN:  0.39"
Madeline Island, WI:  0.36"
Saxon, WI:  0.32"
Grand Portage, MN:  0.28"
Duluth, MN:  0.23"
Northome, MN:  0.23"
Dixon Lake, MN:  0.21"
3 miles northeast of Nisswa, MN:  0.15"
Hayward, WI:  0.14"
Gordon, WI:  0.14"
Hibbing, MN:  0.13"
4 miles west of Clam Lake, WI:  0.13"

Rainfall totals per MRCC:  Some spots up north had >0.50" amounts last night and This Morning.

Weather Tidbits:

-Today marks the 14th consecutive day with an above average high temperature at Duluth, Minnesota.

-Record high temperature of 72 degrees at International Falls, Minnesota on Thursday, March 22nd, 2012.  The previous record was 62 degrees set in 2000.

Temperature departure from March 1-22, 2012:  Yeah it's been a warm month!

Today's Weather Summary for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Low pressure of 1010mb was centered in Illinois with a 1006mb low in Northern Wyoming while high pressure of 1032mb was located near Southern Hudson Bay Canada.  A gray day for most of our area with some light rain and drizzle at times along with areas of fog.  The fog was most widespread and thickest near Lake Superior.  Highs Today ranged from the upper 30s and 40s near Lake Superior with some 60s in Southern parts of our area and 50s in Northern Minnesota.  Winds were out of the east or southeast at 5 to 15 mph.

Today's Upper Level Analysis:

A large 500mb low has moved into Eastern Missouri This Afternoon per water vapor satellite imagery.  Southwest flow aloft covered the Western U.S. with a new storm centered just west of the Pacific Northwest.  850mb temperatures in Minnesota as of 3pm were around +8C.

Forecast Discussion for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Tonight (March 23rd)

Low pressure will be centered to our west and also to our southeast.  A moist airmass will remain in place Tonight allowing areas of fog and some drizzle to linger, could also be a few rain showers from time to time.  Lows will be in the 40s and 50s with some 30s possible closer to Lake Superior.  Winds will be out of the south or east around 10 mph.

*Dense Fog Advisory* until 10am CDT Saturday for Southern St. Louis and Carlton Counties in Minnesota and Douglas County in Wisconsin.  Some cities included in the advisory are:  Duluth MN...Floodwood MN...Cloquet MN...Moose Lake MN...Superior WI...Solon Springs WI...and Poplar WI.  Dense fog will continue in and around the Twin Ports through Saturday Morning.  Visibilities less than one quarter mile will occur at times.  (NWS Duluth)

Saturday and Saturday Night (March 24th)

A cold front will be moving southeast across the Upper Midwest during this period.  This boundary should be moving through Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin Saturday Evening.  Areas of fog should burn off Tomorrow Morning, the exception to this could be near Lake Superior where some fog might linger most of the day.  Partly to mostly cloudy skies are forecast on Saturday with mild temperatures in the 50s and 60s, a few spots around the Brainerd Lakes might even get into the lower 70s.  Much cooler 40s will be found near Lake Superior.  Lows Saturday Night will mainly be in the 30s.  South or east winds are expected Tomorrow at 5 to 15 mph with winds becoming north or northwest Tomorrow Night at 10 to 20 mph.  The cold front moving through our area late Saturday Afternoon/Evening might stir up a couple showers, although nothing significant is expected at this time.

Surface map for Sunday Afternoon per HPC:  Strong area of high pressure building in from the northwest, a chilly airmass invades the area late this weekend, but it will still be above normal for late March.  Could be a frost threat in the Northland Sunday Night.

Extended Forecast, Sunday-Tuesday (March 25th-27th)

Strong area of high pressure of 1035-1040mb will pass through Ontario Province on Sunday with this high pushing into Eastern Canada early next week.  Meanwhile a deepening area of low pressure will reach the Western High Plains Monday Morning, and will move into the Upper Midwest next Tuesday.  The pressure gradient will tighten between the high to our northeast and low to our west.  Net result will be a gusty east wind developing in our area for Monday and Tuesday, could have wind gusts as high as 30 mph especially near Lake Superior early next week.  Bitter cold air will be moving into Central-Eastern Canada Sunday and Monday with the southern flank of this cold air moving into Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin for Sunday into early Tuesday.

Looks dry for Sunday and most of Monday.  Rain chance will increase Monday Night into Tuesday as that western system moves into our area.  Temperatures could be cold enough for some freezing rain or wet snow Monday Night and Tuesday Morning, especially in the Arrowhead of Minnesota and along the higher terrain~inland from Lake Superior.

High temperatures Sunday and Tuesday will be in the 40s and 50s.  Highs on Monday will be in the 30s and 40s.  Lows Sunday Night will be in the teens and 20s with lows Monday Night in the 20s and 30s.

Looks like another half inch or more of precipitation for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin between next Monday Evening-Wednesday Morning, March 26-28 per HPC.

Note:  SPC has parts of South Dakota and Nebraska outlined for potential severe weather on Monday, March 26th, 2012.  Severe weather should stay south of the Northland as this storm moves through next Tuesday.

Long Range Forecast (March 28th-April 3rd)

Strong area of low pressure will be exiting to our east next Wednesday (28th) Lingering rain showers are possible behind this low in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin on Wednesday.  Should dry out late next week, then a new system with some rain might take aim at the Upper Midwest next weekend/early the following week (March 31-April 3)  No signs of any long lasting cold snaps during this period.

5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH/SUPERIOR

*DENSE FOG ADVISORY*
Until 10 AM CDT Saturday.

.Tonight...  Dense fog.  Some drizzle.  Low 37 to 42.  Wind east around 10 mph.

.Saturday...  Areas of dense fog, especially during the Morning.  Considerable cloudiness.  High 55 to 60.  40s near Lake Superior.  Wind variable around 10 mph.

.Saturday Night...  Showers possible during the Evening.  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 35 to 40.  Wind becoming north at 10 to 20 mph.  Chance of rain 30%.

.Sunday...  Partly cloudy.  High 45 to 50.

.Sunday Night...  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 30 to 35.

.Monday...  Increasing cloudiness.  High 40 to 45.

.Monday Night...  Mostly cloudy.  Occasional showers developing.  Low 33 to 36.  Chance of rain 40%.

.Tuesday...  Occasional rain.  Mostly cloudy.  High 40 to 45.  Chance of rain 70%.

Normal temperatures for Today

High:  37
Low:  20

Sunrise Saturday:  7:03 AM CDT
Sunset Saturday:   7:28 PM CDT

Tim

Today's Pollen map. Subzero cold late this weekend in Central-Eastern Canada? Some rain, puddles and fog in the Northland Tonight. Severe risk early next week?

Issued at 3:42 PM CDT, Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

• Occasional rain Tonight with areas of fog
• Scattered showers for Friday
• Spotty Saturday showers?  Mainly dry for Sunday
• Strong storm set to hit the region early-mid part of next week

***RECORD EVENT***
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth and Chanhassen, Minnesota

March 19th, 2012:

Duluth, Minnesota:  Record high temperature of 72 degrees.  Previous record was 66 degrees set in 1910.

International Falls, Minnesota:  Record high temperature of 78 degrees.  Previous record was 60 degrees set in 1918.

Twin Cities, Minnesota:  Record high temperature of 79 degrees.  Previous record was 72 degrees set in 1910.

St. Cloud, Minnesota:  Record high temperature of 78 degrees.  Previous record was 71 degrees set in 1910.

Rochester, Minnesota:  Record high temperature of 77 degrees.  Previous record was 69 degrees set in 1910.

***RECORD EVENT***
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

March 20th, 2012:

Duluth, Minnesota:  Record high temperature of 62 degrees.  Previous record was 60 degrees set in 1938.

International Falls, Minnesota:  Record high temperature tied at 61 degrees.  Previous record was set in 1987.

***RECORD EVENT***
Source:  National Weather Service Duluth, Minnesota

March 21st, 2012:

International Falls, Minnesota:  Record high temperature of 69 degrees.  Previous record was 56 degrees set in 1987.

Today's Pollen Map.  All of the Northland is in the low-medium range.  (pollen.com)

Weather Tidbits:

*High temperature of 80 degrees at Marquette, Michigan on March 21st, 2012 was the earliest 80 degree temperature on record.  The previous record was on April 12th, 1968.  (NWS Marquette, MI)

*Record latest snowfall at Portland, Oregon on March 21st, 2012:  0.5"  (TWC)

*Heaviest snowfall for so late in the season on March 21st, 2012 at both Eugene, Oregon (7.5") and at Salem, Oregon (2.5") TWC

*The three maps below represent the snow depth in Minnesota.  March 8th, 2012, March 15th, and March 22nd.  Didn't take long for the snow to melt in the Northern 1/2 of Minnesota.  (DNR)

Today's Weather Summary for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

A mixed bag of weather across the area Today.  Very warm and dry day in far Northern Minnesota with partly cloudy to sunny skies with highs in the 60s and lower 70s.  Clouds were more widespread farther south with occasional light rain and drizzle, but even here highs made it into the 50s and 60s which is well above normal for this time of year.  Highs in Downtown Duluth and Superior were only in the upper 30s to lower 40s Today, but even that is slightly above normal.  Note:  Rainfall amounts in Eastcentral Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin have been light as mentioned above with amounts during the past 6 hours <0.10" per MesoWest website.  Winds Today were out of the east at 5 to 15 mph.

Note:  We still need 3-6" of precipitation in Northern Minnesota to get us back to normal.

Today's Upper Level Analysis:

Water vapor satellite imagery shows a large upper level low churning slowly N/NE out of Oklahoma with a plume of deep gulf moisture stretching from Alabama, northwest to Eastern Iowa.  The main branch of the jet stream remained over the Northwest U.S. into Canada per RUC model analysis.  850mb temperatures in Minnesota as of 3pm ranged from +9 to +11C.

12 hour water vapor satellite loop per unisys.  Note the progression (or lack thereof) of the large circulation, upper level low in Oklahoma and Kansas.

Forecast Discussion for Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin

Tonight (March 22nd)

Surface and upper level area of low pressure will continue to lift slowly N/NE out of the Central Plains.  A surge of higher moisture will be lifting north into the Iron Range, Arrowhead and Borderland regions Tonight as PWS increase from 0.50-0.75", up to around 1.00" by late Tonight.  The rest of our area will continue to have PWS of 1.00-1.30" which is abnormally high for March.  Clouds will increase in far Northern Minnesota This Evening with some rain developing by late Tonight.  Elsewhere, expect overcast skies with occasional light rain and drizzle.  Fog is also possible, especially near Lake Superior.  Lows Tonight will be mainly in the 40s and 50s with east winds at 5 to 15 mph.

Friday and Friday Night (March 23rd)

Considerably cloudy skies are forecast during this period with areas of rain showers.  Some fog is also possible near Lake Superior.  Highs on Friday will be in the 50s and 60s except 40s near the Head of Lake Superior.  Lows Friday Night will be in the 40s and 50s.  Upper level and surface areas of low pressure will be passing south/southeast of our local area during this period, these lows plus a frontal boundary draped over the Upper Midwest will lead to the cloud-cover and the possibility for some rain during this period.  Winds Tomorrow and Tomorrow Night will be out of the east or south at 5 to 15 mph.

Note:  Rainfall totals from Tonight through Friday in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin will generally range from 0.10-0.25", a few spots might pick up 0.50".

Extended Forecast, Saturday-Monday (March 24th-26th)

A cold front will move south/east across our area on Saturday.  Not much moisture associated with this front, but a few Afternoon-Evening showers can't be ruled out in Northcentral-Eastcentral Minnesota.  Strong high pressure will pass through Ontario and Hudson Bay Canada for Sunday and Monday with chilly temperatures near Lake Superior, but continued mild temperatures farther inland.  Looks dry for Sunday and probably into Monday as well, but a strong upper level trough and area of low pressure will be making it's way into the Northern Rockies/Western High Plains by early next week, this system could bring some showers to the Northland, especially by Monday Night.  High temperatures on Saturday will be in the 50s and 60s.  Highs for Sunday and Monday will mainly be in the 50s.  Near Lake Superior, expect highs to be in the 40s on Saturday, and mainly 30s for Sunday and Monday.  Low temperatures Saturday Night will be in the 30s and 40s.  Lows Sunday Night will be in the 20s and 30s.  Note:  Could be some patchy frost in Northeast Minnesota Sunday Night.

Surface temperature map for Sunday Night, March 25th, 2012 per 18z NAM:  A very cold airmass set to invade Central-Eastern Canada late this weekend, possibly subzero cold!!! The southern flank of this chilly air could swipe Northeast Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan late this weekend.

Long Range Forecast (March 27th-April 2nd)

A deep area of low pressure is forecast to track from the Dakotas to just north of Lake Superior between Tuesday-Wednesday, March 27-28.  Some rain will likely occur in our area from Tuesday into early Wednesday.  A couple of thunderstorms are even possible Tuesday and Tuesday Evening, but right now it looks like any severe weather would occur south of our area.  This system exits to our east by mid-week with dry weather expected for a time, but a new system might bring some more rain to the Upper Midwest sometime late next week/weekend, March 30-April 1 time frame.  No signs of any prolonged cold snaps thru early April.

Note:  12z ECMWF for next Tuesday Morning, March 27th, 2012:  987mb low centered in Northcentral South Dakota.  Could be some severe weather on Tuesday, especially in Iowa and possibly into the Southern half of Minnesota.  Stay tuned!

5 DAY FORECAST FOR DULUTH/SUPERIOR

.Tonight...  Occasional light rain, drizzle and some fog.  Low 43 to 48 Inland.  38 to 42 near Lake Superior.  Wind east at 5 to 15 mph.

.Friday...  Rain showers at times.  Otherwise considerable cloudiness.  Patchy fog and drizzle possible.  High 50 to 55 Inland.  40s near Lake Superior.  Wind east at 5 to 15 mph.

.Friday Night...  Mostly cloudy.  Low 40 to 45.  Wind east around 10 mph.

.Saturday...  Variable cloudiness.  High 55 to 60 but cooler near Lake Superior.

.Saturday Night...  Partly cloudy.  Low 37 to 42.

.Sunday...  Partly sunny.  High 45 to 50.

.Sunday Night...  Partly to mostly cloudy.  Low 30 to 35.

.Monday...  Mostly cloudy.  Showers possible.  High 42 to 47.  Chance of rain 20%.

Normal temperatures for Today

High:  37
Low:  20

Sunrise Friday:  7:05 AM CDT
Sunset Friday:   7:26 PM CDT

Tim