Justin Liles: Another warm day, followed by much cooler conditions

Our warm start to the new month has us seeing unseasonably warm weather. Temperatures are nearly 20° above average as many areas are in the upper 70s to lower 80s. This surge of warmth due to southwest winds will continue for at least another day. A rather large area of low pressure will begin to work across the plains and into the upper Midwest by Tuesday afternoon and evening. Clouds will continue to increase through the day as a cold front approaches north central Minnesota by the evening hours.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely late Tuesday night into Wednesday. The heaviest rain will likely be on a line from Brainard to International Falls. Conditions will continue to be breezy this week. Once the front passes temperatures will cool down Thursday and Friday. However, additional rain is likely during this time frame. The temperatures by the end of the week will drop far enough for widespread freeze and frost. As of now the weekend looks quiet but temperatures are likely going to be in the upper 40s to lower 50s. Sunshine and warmth returns by the end of the weekend.

TONIGHT
Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
TUESDAY
Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Breezy, with a south wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
WEDNESDAY
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Breezy, with a west wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
THURSDAY
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Windy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.
FRIDAY
Showers likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Breezy, with a west wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
SATURDAY
Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
SUNDAY
Partly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.