Minneapolis started Sunday, March 29, on the gray and chilly side, with temperatures in the 40s and a blanket of clouds overhead. That cool start will not last long. Readings are expected to surge into the upper 60s this afternoon, and with light south winds, parks, patios, and sidewalks should feel more like an early taste of spring than late March.
Sunny, Almost-70 Afternoon On Tap
Skies turn mostly sunny as the day goes on, with a high near 68°F across most of the metro and low 70s possible farther south. A gentle south-southwest breeze around 5 to 10 mph will help temperatures keep climbing through the afternoon without turning it blustery.
If you are heading outside, sunglasses will be useful by midday, and a light jacket should be plenty for the cooler morning hours.
Monday Night Brings A Shot At Thunder
Monday, March 30, turns even warmer, with highs near 72°F in parts of the area. A slow-moving frontal zone will slide in and set the stage for isolated storms Monday night across southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
The strongest cells could drop small hail and produce brief heavy rain in a few spots. Any severe weather risk looks isolated rather than widespread, but if you have outdoor plans in the south metro Monday evening, it is wise to keep an eye on the radar and have a backup indoor plan ready.
Rest Of The Week: Back To Reality
By Tuesday, March 31, temperatures fall back to near seasonal levels, with a high around 49°F and a breezy northwesterly wind that could gust up to 25 mph. There are no watches or warnings in effect for the Twin Cities at this time.
Wednesday looks calmer and mostly sunny. On Thursday, expect a chance of snow showers in the morning that should transition to rain later in the day. For the most up-to-date timing and to check for any new watches or advisories, visit the National Weather Service.
Commute Check: Smooth Now, Blustery Later
MSP airport operations should run normally today and Monday, with VFR conditions and light winds during peak travel windows. The Tuesday to Wednesday stretch, however, looks blustery and less comfortable for those biking or walking.
Transit riders can keep tabs on any service changes by checking Metro Transit before heading out.
Enjoy the sunshine while it sticks around, but keep a light layer handy and an umbrella in the mix for later in the week, as rain chances ramp up from Friday into Saturday. Updates will follow if any watches or advisories are issued.
