Warmth records set in several Minnesota cities Monday; red flag warnings in effect
Monday is bringing both record-breaking heat and an elevated fire risk to Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
The Twin Cities hit 65 degrees on Monday — one degree short of tying the record set in 2012 (and tied 2015). High, thin clouds are likely to blame.
These four cities obliterated their previous records:
- Brainerd: 66 degrees
- Previous record: 58 degrees, set in 2012
- Duluth: 62 degrees
- Previous record: 58 degrees, set in 2015
- LaCrosse, Wisconsin: 72 degrees
- Previous record: 67 degrees, set in 1894
- St. Cloud: 69 degrees
- Previous record: 61 degrees, set in 2015
Rochester tied its record high of 63, which was set in 1977.
Melted snow will re-freeze on Monday night, leading to some icy patches on roadways come Tuesday morning. Gusty winds will make it feel like zero up north, and in the 20-degree range in the metro on Tuesday morning.
Tuesday will feature typical, early March weather with highs in the mid 40s.
The metro will warm back into the 50s, 60s and 70s by Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Friday's high will be in the low 70s, which is in reach of tying or breaking the record of 73 that was set in 2012.
Major storm ahead
Friday afternoon through Saturday will be as strong as a category 2 hurricane, by measure of atmospheric pressure. Impacts will include:
- Friday: High winds and showers, with the potential for a few severe thunderstorms in the evening.
- Saturday (especially in the morning): wind-blown snow showers with little-to-no accumulation in the metro, but up to a few inches north and west.
Sunday will be cold but quiet ahead of another warming trend next week.
