Warmer-Than-Normal Pattern Likely For Late February In Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS–ST. PAUL, MN — A warmer-than-normal weather pattern is likely to settle in across Minnesota later this month, according to new long-range outlooks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

NOAA’s 8–14 day temperature outlook for Feb. 16–22 shows a strong signal for above-normal temperatures across much of the Upper Midwest, including the Twin Cities. The region also falls within an area favoring near- to slightly above-normal precipitation, suggesting a more active pattern rather than prolonged stretches of dry or bitterly cold weather.

Before that milder pattern takes hold, the Twin Cities will see a brief stretch of unsettled weather early this week. A light mix of rain and snow is possible this afternoon and evening, with temperatures expected to reach the low 40s during the day. As temperatures fall below freezing after sunset, any precipitation that develops later in the evening is more likely to transition to mostly snow. No significant accumulation is expected, though slick spots could develop on untreated roads late tonight.

Tuesday turns breezier and cooler, with highs in the mid-30s and clearing skies. Sunshine returns Wednesday with seasonable temperatures before clouds increase again late in the week. Another chance for light snow arrives Thursday, followed by a milder and mostly sunny end to the workweek, with highs approaching 40 by Friday.

Forecasters note that long-range outlooks highlight broader trends rather than day-to-day specifics, but the signal points toward a relatively mild finish to February across the Upper Midwest.

Here's the full NWS forecast from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport:

Tonight: A slight chance of snow between 7pm and 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 35. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 34. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. East southeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. South wind 5 to 10 mph.