Emerging back from the deep freeze with 20s and 30s above

Most of us have noticed how weird this winter has been. I look back to it being 51 degrees on Christmas Eve morning, and December being a rainy rather than snowy month. But now over the past several days we have been dealing with an Arctic blast and a more “typical” winter. 

The past weekend, and the start of this week, has been filled with snow and blowing snow along with the coldest airmass of the season. At times it has felt like 40 below zero factoring in the wind. This has made it difficult to be outdoors for any time at all.

We are going to remain in the deep freeze for the next few days before we turn the corner once again. Highs by Sunday and into next week, it looks like we will return into the 20s and even some 30s. Little snow is expected along the way. 

By the way, on Wednesday and Thursday night, the moon will be near Jupiter. It will be a first–quarter moon and, with some clouds, it might not be the easiest to view the moon.

Weather history: On this date in 1996, records show that snow and ice hit the state of Minnesota. More than a foot of snow was reported across parts of central and west central Minnesota. 

Weather facts: Have you noticed that it is quiet following a snowstorm? The reason is that the “fresh snow dampens sound, and it absorbs the sound waves.”

MN AT A GLANCE:

Moorhead Low-1 High 2

Duluth Low 1 High 7

Central Minn. Low -2 High 1

Twin Cities Low 3 High 9

Marshall Low -1 High 4

Rochester Low 0 High 8

Wednesday: Partly to mostly cloudy and cold. High 1 Low -2 Wind: NW 10-15 mph Prec. None

Today’s sunrise: 7:58 a.m.

Today’s sunset: 5:05 p.m.

Normal High: 17

Normal Low: -1

Temperatures will remain unseasonably cold and dry for much of the period. We will start the warm-up by this weekend as highs by Sunday should be back into the lower 20s.

Thursday: Partly cloudy. High 0 Low -3 Wind: NW 10-15 mph Prec. None

Friday: Partly cloudy. High 2 Low -3 Wind: NW 10-15 mph Prec. None

Saturday: Mostly sunny. High 6 Low 5 Wind: S 10-15 mph Prec. None

Sunday: Partly cloudy and warmer. High 21 Low 17 Wind: S 10-15 mph Prec. None