Brandon Weatherz: Warming trend starts today

Our Thursday begins with cool temps in 30s and 40s and areas of frost. We put the chill behind us soon with a warming trend starting today. As a region, dry weather with abundant sunshine and above average temps take us through Memorial Day weekend. The warmth gradually moves in from the west, leading to a consistent spread in the region with the warmest conditions near Brainerd and International Falls and slightly lower temps looking east across the Arrowhead and northwest Wisconsin.

The only thing to factor into temperatures is Lake Superior’s influence. This peaked yesterday with the strong east wind that won’t have the same gusto moving forward. An east wind around 10 mph is still with us today, and this will keep the need for a light jacket along the shorelines. However, the cool lake air won’t be carried as far as yesterday. The Duluth International Airport will reach near 61, and inland communities return to the 70s.

A south wind arrives Friday to limit the cool lake air to areas immediately by the water and along the North Shore. This repeats Saturday while the Northland reaches upper 70s to mid-80s. More 80s will be found Sunday and Monday while a southeast wind keeps much cooler conditions close to Lake Superior, but that influence will struggle to carry beyond the shoreline.

Today: Sunny. High 61. E wind 5-15 mph.

Tonight: Clear. Low 41. E wind 5-10 mph.

Tomorrow: Sunny. High 74. SSE wind 5-10 mph.

Tomorrow night: Clear. High 48. SSE wind 5-10 mph.

Saturday: Sunny. High 78. S wind 5-15 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. High 76. SE wind 5-10 mph.

Memorial Day: Mostly sunny. High 77. SE wind 5-15 mph.

Tuesday: Partly cloudy with a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms. High 76. SE wind 5-15 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny with a chance for showers and thunderstorms. High 75. E wind 5-10 mph. Chance of rain: 30%