North-central US set for another big temperature swing
By
Renee Duff, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Updated Apr 3, 2021 1:18 PM EDT
You know it's spring when you see the ice melting over the water in Lake Miltona, Minnesota, on March 30. The wind helped the narrow strip of the open water grow.
Following winter's brief return, the north-central United States is about to get on another temperature roller coaster ride, but this time on the upward trend.
AccuWeather forecasters say that temperatures may climb high enough to challenge decades-old record highs in some locations -- a far cry from last Easter when a late-season snowstorm and cold snap had people in the region wishing others a “Merry Easter” on April 12, 2020.
The North Central states have faced wild weather swings so far this year.
"A month after one of the central U.S.'s [top] 10 coldest Februaries in the modern era, March was much milder than average across the Midwest," AccuWeather Broadcast Meteorologist Geoff Cornish said.
Despite the month ending with a burst of frigid air which plunged highs into the 30s and 40s F Wednesday, March as a whole was a very warm month for the region, with temperatures generally averaging 6-9 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.
The recent chill was quick to ease its grip on the region, AccuWeather meteorologists say, as cold winds from the north are replaced with a much more favorable wind direction for warmer weather to move in.
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"Winds turning out of the southwest began the warming process on Friday over the Plains," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski.
High temperatures in cities like Omaha, Nebraska and Minneapolis jumped up 15 to 20 degrees from Thursday to Friday afternoons, soaring well above normal.
While some areas remained on the chilly side with highs in the 40s and lower 50s on Friday, the consistent southerly wind direction will help to warm it up considerably throughout the Easter weekend.
Widespread 70s and lower 80s across the northern Plains and Midwest are expected for daytime temperatures, putting thermometers at levels more typical of May and about 15-25 degrees above the norm in early April.
In Rapid City, South Dakota, the daily record for both Saturday and Sunday is 82 from 1943 and 1992, respectively. One or both of these records is likely to be within reach.
Records from the 1920s will be challenged in North Platte, Nebraska, this weekend, with the temperature high mark for Saturday sitting at 82. By Sunday and Monday, temperatures could approach 90.
Bismarck, North Dakota, is forecast to climb to 78 on Saturday, which would approach the city's daily record of 82 from 1921. In fact, Bismarck is currently forecast to be warmer on Saturday than many places in the Southeast, including New Orleans, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Florida, and Montgomery, Alabama.
While likely falling short of record levels, the warmup will still be impressive for places such as Chicago and Minneapolis where highs in the upper 60s will return Saturday with lower 70s forecast Sunday.
Factoring in the strong April sunshine as well as the recent chill, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures could be 10 degrees higher than the thermometer reading suggests.
The weather couldn't be more perfect for those cooking outdoors, taking part in Easter egg hunts or attending sunrise church services throughout the region.
Early Sunday morning, temperatures will generally be in the 40s across the Midwest, with some 30s across the far northern tier, so jackets will be necessary at that time of day.
To the delight of spring weather fans, forecasters say that the warm conditions won't go away any time soon.
"Next week as a whole will remain very mild for early April," Babinski said.
However, along with the warmth, several storms may track over the region next week, bringing more frequent bouts wet weather to the nation's midsection.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier, Spectrum, FuboTV, Philo, and Verizon Fios.
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News / Weather Forecasts
North-central US set for another big temperature swing
By Renee Duff, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Updated Apr 3, 2021 1:18 PM EDT
You know it's spring when you see the ice melting over the water in Lake Miltona, Minnesota, on March 30. The wind helped the narrow strip of the open water grow.
Following winter's brief return, the north-central United States is about to get on another temperature roller coaster ride, but this time on the upward trend.
AccuWeather forecasters say that temperatures may climb high enough to challenge decades-old record highs in some locations -- a far cry from last Easter when a late-season snowstorm and cold snap had people in the region wishing others a “Merry Easter” on April 12, 2020.
The North Central states have faced wild weather swings so far this year.
"A month after one of the central U.S.'s [top] 10 coldest Februaries in the modern era, March was much milder than average across the Midwest," AccuWeather Broadcast Meteorologist Geoff Cornish said.
Despite the month ending with a burst of frigid air which plunged highs into the 30s and 40s F Wednesday, March as a whole was a very warm month for the region, with temperatures generally averaging 6-9 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.
The recent chill was quick to ease its grip on the region, AccuWeather meteorologists say, as cold winds from the north are replaced with a much more favorable wind direction for warmer weather to move in.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
"Winds turning out of the southwest began the warming process on Friday over the Plains," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Babinski.
High temperatures in cities like Omaha, Nebraska and Minneapolis jumped up 15 to 20 degrees from Thursday to Friday afternoons, soaring well above normal.
While some areas remained on the chilly side with highs in the 40s and lower 50s on Friday, the consistent southerly wind direction will help to warm it up considerably throughout the Easter weekend.
Widespread 70s and lower 80s across the northern Plains and Midwest are expected for daytime temperatures, putting thermometers at levels more typical of May and about 15-25 degrees above the norm in early April.
In Rapid City, South Dakota, the daily record for both Saturday and Sunday is 82 from 1943 and 1992, respectively. One or both of these records is likely to be within reach.
Records from the 1920s will be challenged in North Platte, Nebraska, this weekend, with the temperature high mark for Saturday sitting at 82. By Sunday and Monday, temperatures could approach 90.
Bismarck, North Dakota, is forecast to climb to 78 on Saturday, which would approach the city's daily record of 82 from 1921. In fact, Bismarck is currently forecast to be warmer on Saturday than many places in the Southeast, including New Orleans, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Florida, and Montgomery, Alabama.
While likely falling short of record levels, the warmup will still be impressive for places such as Chicago and Minneapolis where highs in the upper 60s will return Saturday with lower 70s forecast Sunday.
Factoring in the strong April sunshine as well as the recent chill, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures could be 10 degrees higher than the thermometer reading suggests.
The weather couldn't be more perfect for those cooking outdoors, taking part in Easter egg hunts or attending sunrise church services throughout the region.
Early Sunday morning, temperatures will generally be in the 40s across the Midwest, with some 30s across the far northern tier, so jackets will be necessary at that time of day.
To the delight of spring weather fans, forecasters say that the warm conditions won't go away any time soon.
"Next week as a whole will remain very mild for early April," Babinski said.
However, along with the warmth, several storms may track over the region next week, bringing more frequent bouts wet weather to the nation's midsection.
Related:
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier, Spectrum, FuboTV, Philo, and Verizon Fios.
Report a Typo