increasing warmth starting tomarrow. Topping out in the mid 80s Sunday! Slight threat for rain Monday then much cooler Tuesday.

Regional weather view.

A summer like pattern is in place for this weekend, a warm front will bring increasing temperatures, topping out in the low 90s across Iowa and Mid 80s as far north as Southern Minnesota. North of the front will have the best chance of precip with this system on Monday, and it looks mostly light. A cold front will sweep through late Monday and bring cooler but still mild conditions for Tuesday and beyond.

Local and metro views.

A very warm weekend is on tap for us! Saturday will be the start of a significant warming trend. Skies will clear and highs will rise to the lower to mid 70s, with lows in the 50s. Sunday will be the warmest day, under sunny skies, highs will likely reach the lower to mid 80s across the area as record highs are in jeopardy, and it will feel much like Summer, Lows will be in the mid 60s Sunday Night. Monday will be mostly sunny and still warm in the upper 70s with lows near 50. A cold front will sweep through in the afternoon which could spark a few random showers or thunderstorms. Especially in northern areas. Precip amounts look very light at this time. Tuesday behind the sharp cold front it will be sunny and much cooler but still a real nice day with highs near 60 and lows near 40, lows could fall to the mid to upper 30s in a few spots which could lead to light frosts away from the city and warmer spots.


Saturday, Clearing Skies, Mild! Highs in the low to mid 70s. Saturday Night, Skies will be clear and it will be mild for Earth Hour, lows in the mid 50s.


Sunday, Very Warm! Sunny skies with highs in the low to mid 80s. Sunday Night, Clear skies, lows in the mid 60s.

Monday, Sunny skies with the threat for afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Highs near 80.F Monday Night, Clearing skies, lows in the upper 40s.

Tuesday, Cooler, Sunny with light winds. Highs in the low 60s. Tuesday Night, Chilly, Clear skies, lows in the upper 30s to low 40s.


Looking Ahead

The long range charts are hard to follow at this time. We will probably keep going in and out from very mild temps to a bit cooler temps. The models show warm temperatures and plentiful sunshine coming back into the picture for the middle part of next week and sticking around through Saturday, A dry cold front moves through Sunday bringing in cooler conditions. Then for the week of the 9th is shows mild temps moving back in with off and on chances for rain that week. More on this later. 
 

 

Spring Growth Update #3 Tulips in bloom, Trees leafing out & Highest winds speeds today.

Tulips in bloom March 27th 2012.

Spring growth continues to progress along incredibly early and fast as temperatures were in the middle 70s once again today. People were out in shorts like Summer and it sounded like summer as many were out mowing their lawns already. Crocus are done and Daffodils are on the decline and now in bloom this week are Pear Trees, Tulips, Hyacinths and Native Cherries. Soon to follow will be Lilacs, Crabapples and Redbud trees. I'm still waiting for my specialty  tulips to bloom which are supposed to be interesting colors and shapes.

 Crabapple Trees which have leafed out on a warm March day March 27th 2012

 The weather has been so warm recently Earlier trees have leaves unfolded and every tree species now is showing at least some signs of breaking dormancy.

 Native Cherry in full bloom March 27th 2012

This is not typically seen planted in yards, I found this growing in kinda a back woods area but they can be quite beautiful trees when there in bloom.

 Our lawn was mowed for the 1st time this season today! It is stunning to think that were mowing before April 1st!

Highs and Highest wind speeds.

Today was a very windy and warm day through out the region. Even though 70s in March have been the norm this year, Average highs are around 50. Winds today were 39 to near 50MPH, The highest wind gust observed was 48MPH in Rochester. No significant damage was reported with this wind.

Significant warm up for tomorrow, Very Windy with highs in the 70s. Winds could gust to 50MPH, Cooling down by Wednesday with frost chances, then moderating out for temperatures.

Regional Weather View.

A strong low pressure/warm front and cold front system will move across the Upper Midwest Tuesday, bringing a few issues region wide. Winds will be quite strong across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, gusting to 50MPH at times. For precip, Severe Storms may be an issue in Southern Wisconsin and Illinois. It will be quite warm across the entire region in the 60s and 70s.

Local and Metro views.

Look for a significantly warmer day tomorrow, Any rain chances will be mainly in the morning before it moves off. With strong south winds,. Highs 30 degrees warmer then they were this afternoon staying steady and rising tonight, it may be chilly in the 40s early, but temps will quickly rise to the low 70s in the afternoon with the possibility of a few mid to upper 70 degree readings depending on how far the warm front pushes northward. Winds will be strong and could cause issues as they will be between 30 and 40MPH with gusts as high as 50MPH from the south not out of the question. Loose objects should be kept in, and now that trees are getting leaves, weakened and dead branches could fall in wind speeds this strong. Wednesday the a cold front will have passed through lowering out highs into the mid 50s and it will be breezy with strong west winds, and a dry airmass will be in place Frost is likely Wednesday night with clear skies, especially outlying areas outside of Rochester,  as lows fall into the low to mid 30s are possible. Frost would not normally be an issue here this time of year but becuase of the early growth tender plants should be kept covered. Thursday will be warmer and quite nice as temperatures moderate under a sunny sky. Highs will be in the upper 50s with lows in the low 40s. Showers and thunderstorms may start to develop on our next system overnight Thursday.

Tuesday, Very Windy! A chance of rain in the morning turning mostly sunny. South winds 30 to 40MPH gusting to 50MPH, Highs in the low to mid 70s. Tuesday Night, Windy, Clear skies lows in the low 40s.

Wednesday, Breezy and Much cooler, Sunny with highs in the mid 50s. Wednesday Night, Chilly compared to where it has been, Frost likely with lows in the low to mid 30s

Thursday, Nice! Less windy and sunny. Moderating temps into the upper 50s. Thursday Night, Increasing clouds with a chance of showers and thunderstorms developing late. 

Looking Ahead

The models show weather calming down for the weekend and it being warm in the 60s to near 70 by Sunday. A dry cold front passes through Monday April 2nd and cools things off slightly it remains dry behind that front through Tuesday, then showers and thunderstorms develop on a warm front by Wednesday the 4th they could have heavy rain. More on this later.

Rainy Friday, Drier and mild weekend in the 70s!

Regional weather view.

A persistent slow moving low pressure system moving across the Midwest will still cause influence on our weather. It will keep the treat of clouds and showers alive as it continues to slowly move west. Saturday and Sunday, drier air from the west will finally push in allowing for some clearing to take place. It will be a nice weekend and will continue to be very mild for March.

Local and Metro views.

The low pressure mentioned above will still have influence on our weather for Friday, we can expect that there will be plenty of clouds with occasional peaks of sun. There will be a chance of light showers or drizzle, but it should be tapering down and there will not be much for amounts rain will end Friday Night. Highs will be in the upper 60s with lows in the upper 50s. Saturday will still have more clouds then sun but it will be dry and mild with light winds. It will be a fairly nice day with highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid 50s. Sunday will be the nicest day with sunshine coming into the picture and highs in the low 70s. Lows will cool to the low 50s. Monday will be mostly sunny and warm with highs in the 70s. The threat for thunderstorms will increase in the evening. Lows will be in the low 50s All of these highs and lows are well above the March standards.





Friday, Cloudy with a chance of light showers or drizzle. Highs in the upper 60s. Friday Night, Showers or drizzle ending, Cloudy with lows in the mid 50s. 

Saturday, Nice, Cloudy Skies with peaks of sun, Mild with highs in the low 70s Saturday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the low 50s.

Sunday,  Nice! Sunny skies, light winds, highs in the low 70s. Sunday Night, Clear skies, lows in the upper 40s 

Monday, Nice! Sunny with highs in the low 70s. Threat for thunderstorms increasing towards evening. Monday Night, A chance of Showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 40s.

Looking Ahead

A strong cold front moves through on Tuesday bringing thunderstorm chances  back into the picture. Some of these need to be watched for the possibility of becoming severe. Wednesday and Thursday of next week look cooler but sunny. Then during the last weekend of March the 30-1st look wet with a chance for cool rainshowers, some could be heavy on Saturday the 31st. Looks on the cool side compared to where it has been to start of April and actually April 1st may have to be watched for the threat of frost overnight. Doesn't look too bad at this point but it must be watched. Then it warms up as we move into April, there are off and of chances for rain but it appears those chances are not high after the 6th of the month. More on this later.

Photos of our Incrediblely early Spring around the city! Magnolias Trees and Hyacinths in full boom. Looks more like May then March!

 Leonard Messel Magnolia at my college campus  March 21st 2012

Spring is in full swing now as warm temperatures and now added rainfall has allowed it too continue. Magnolias are in full bloom right now and it is quite eye catching becuase these trees get huge flowers about 4" wide on twigs becuase they bloom well before the leaves. The fragrance from them are very strong and pleasing. One thing I noticed about around compared to my hometown area is there are an abundance of Magnolia trees across the area. Around my hometown they were a rare find in gardens there. Some of these trees around Rochester are old, large and quite stunning in their size and bloom numbers. The next few photos are some of the beautiful Magnolias that I found while walking.

 Magnolia March 21st 2012

This the largest Magnolia I found so far, its very beautiful and smells great and can be smelled from blocks away! 

 Magnolia March 21st 2012

I discovered this Magnolia in the Winter becuase of its large buds, I've been passing it every week waiting for it to pop, it was well worth the wait!

 Star Magnolia March 22nd 2012

This is a Star Magnolia, I planted this originally in Wisconsin and it was not properly place there and since I liked it so much I decided to plant it here. The blooms on this are slightly smaller then Magnolias from the photos from above, but they still smell great!

Hyacinths March 21st 2012

Another plant in bloom this week that has really caught my attention and my senses are the Hyacinths, They are short, but have a very strong and pleasing fragrance that fills the entire backyard! I got these as a mixture and was hoping to get some bloom but I got all white along with 1 single pink bloom.

March 22nd 2012

One last photo showing how the recent rains really has greened everything up. This is a scene you would normally find closer to May and not the other month that starts with the letter M!

Showers and Thunderstorms later today could bring much needed rain but could also have heavy rainfall over 0.50" possible Updated X1

Regional Weather View.

A Weather pattern more you would find in May continues to be the main rule in what is found across the Upper Midwest, Accept now a cold front is sparking much needed showers and thunderstorms across Iowa, Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Some of the storms could be breifly severe in Iowa, and could bring heavy rain to parts of Minnesota.

Local and Metro views.

Wet stormy Tuesday

We can expect that Tuesday ill not be as nice as the rest of last week. but on a good note we could see some much needed rainfall across the area. It will be mainly cloudy with highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid 50s. A slow moving cold front to our west today will spark showers and thunderstorms ahead of it. These storms will develop and move into the area from Iowa later today, there is a chance that there will be heavy rainfall with some of the storms, some spots may see rainfall totals a half inch or more of rain. A strong thunderstorm or two also cannot be ruled out with gusty winds and small hail the main threat.

Tuesday, Cloudy then showers and thunderstorms developing. Some could be strong and have heavy rainfall, Highs in the low 70s. Tuesday Night, Cloudy with light showers, lows in the low 50s.

Looking Ahead

It turns slightly cooler but still above normal and much wetter as we go into midweek next week. The threat for showers lasts through Friday. It clears out and warms up for the weekend and were looking at  a warm and sunny for the weekend of the 25th. It remains warm as we enter into Monday the 26th and then threat for showers and thunderstorms increase with a cold front moving through Tuesday and Wednesday 27th/28th. Some of these storms could be bring heavy rain. The models keep it wet and warm even into the last weekend of March. More on this later.

Spring Growth Update #2-Daffodils in Full Bloom and early trees leafing out on last day of Calender Winter! Also low end severe storm effected the Rochester area this evening.

Daffodils in Full Bloom March 19th 2012

This may only be the 2nd Spring Growth Update but the Daffodils are already in full bloom! They really progressed very fast this year in the extremely mild temps. Normally there is a time of no flowers between the Crocus Blooms and the Daffodil blooms, but this year it was so warm everything is kinda blooming at once! This garden of Daffodils was planted last fall, since they are are my favorite flower I made sure there were plenty to enjoy.

Forsythia Bush in bloom March 19th 2012

Forsythia bushes across the area are also now in full bloom, this is a new addition for me added this spring. I've never seen Forsythia in bloom but I really like their bright yellow flowers before the leaves. As odd as this sounds I talked to classmates that came back from Missouri last week and they said Forsythia was also blooming there, so it seems there is no difference this year across a wide area.

 Lilac leaves March 19th 2012

The lilacs are also no acceptation, They are well into full leafing out faze and the flowers are now exposed. Lilacs normally do not leaf out until around April 20th. 

Green Crabapples in Downtown March 19th.

As seen in the last post with the temperature report, Most of the earlier changing trees now have small leaves on them and look green. The Crabapples in Downtown seem to be especially far along compared to my part of the city, probably becuase it is warmer.

Japanese Lilac March 19th 2012

This is just another photo to show how green it is across the area. I seriously run out of words to describe just how odd it is to have things this green this early in the month of March. It is as green as Late April into May normally would be, and is downright unheard of!

Daffodils and Crocus Blooms March 19th.

One last shot of the a patch of my Daffodils, Many have said they really look cheery.

 Daffodils Clayton,WI March 19th 2012

I also wanted to take the opportunity to post this photo my brother took from my hometown. He reported the 1st Daffodils have just begun to bloom there, It seems home is just only about 4 days behind us!

It wont be long before im updating again because was walking today and noticed the Magnolia Trees are starting to bloom and there are many large impressive trees around the city! I will be sure to post photos when they bloom fully.

Low end severe storm in Olmsted County This Evening

Video from strong winds that hit Rochester during the evening of the 19th.

A low end severe storm hit the Rochester Area this evening in a line of strong thunderstorms that were seen across the entire area today as a eastward moving boundary sparked a long line of thunderstorms through the state. The storms came with strong winds, frequent lightning and brief heavy rain. One storm in particular got strong as it moved in southern parts of Mower and Fillmore counties, it moved northeast and hit the Rochester area, winds were over 50MPH in the immediate Rochester area, and even 58MPH at the airport which means it was enough for it to be considered severe. From my experience of the storm it came in very short but power bursts of very strong winds ahead of the rain, the winds really rattled agaist the windows. The gauge 2 blocked from my house registered a 53MPH wind gust in the storm, I did not see damage but the morning light will help. There are no other reports of any damage so far this evening as well.

Wind Gust Reports

Rochester Airport 58MPH
West Downtown Rochester 53MPH
Northwest Rochester 52MPH
Zumbrota 49MPH
Red Wing 45MPH
Oronoco 42MPH
Byron 41MPH

Mid March Heatwave continues! Breaking records sounding like a broken record with highs in the 80s once again today. Record warm lows also seen.

Crabapple trees greening-up in Downtown March 18th 2012

Our March heat wave continues! Hearing of broken records is starting to sound like a broken record becuase we have broke records nearly every day this week, and today was no exception. After record warm lows in the low to mid 60s last night, clouds cleared away to allow for Another warm summer-like day in the upper 70s and lower 80s in a string of 80s that has been going for the 3rd strait day in a row here at my station Rochester! Last nights low was 64.F and today's high was a windy, very warm and humid 83.F. Air conditioning was actually necessary, How rare is this? Extremely! With all the warmth around it is hard to believe our average high is in the mid 40s this time of year, and lows still fall into the 20s normally. Our local NWS in La Crosse is calling the March heat unprecedented, and they said were came shy just 1 degree of tying the all time record high for March, and were on course to possible making this the warmest March on average ever recorded!

Green grass and shrubs March 18th 2012


The warmth is showing up in landscaping, gardens, trees and shrubs across the area, and are progressing extremely fast and the earliest I've ever seen, Early trees and shrubs like Crab apples Poplar and lilacs, are already leafing out, Daffodils are full bloom, and tulips are on they way to getting flower buds. A Spring Growth Update with photos will be posted in the coming days.

 Highs reported.

Today the heat wave peaked, and most locations say there warmest lows and warmest highs. The warmest lows were in warm valleys near the Mississippi River like Red Wing and in inner city Rochester. The warmest official high was at Red Wing with a high of 82.F, Un officially inner city Rochester has the highest.

Historic Record Warmth- Summer in March 1st 80s of the season! Warmth brings on the 1st Daffodil blooms of the season!

Budding out Elm Trees March 16th 2012

Stunning, Weird, Wild, Beautiful, Awesome are all words that can be used to describe this extremely nice weather we've been having this week. A record setting March heat wave has been impacting the region since Tuesday, and since that day highs have easily reached the 70s, and today some places hit 80s for the 1st time this season. People were out wearing shorts and short sleeves on what was actually a hot and relativity humid day even before calender Spring, which is extremely rare and unheard of this early in March. Temperatures today were at least 40 degrees above average. I was outdoors all day and drinking lots of water was needed to stay cool.

Daffodil bloom March 16th 2012

It is hard to keep up with Spring growth reports when all the plants and trees are progressing fast then I have ever witnessed! Last week I was talking Crocus and Snowdrop, now today the 1st Daffodil blooms of the season are being seen and it wont be long before there in full bloom. This is definitely with out a dought the earliest Daffodil bloom I've seen. I've also now noticed Tulips buds are above ground, almost all the trees are showing signs of budding out and bloom and lastly the grass is quickly turning green!

Highs Friday

Everyone was quite warm well into the 70s. Average high is 45.F and low is 26.F The warmest official airport temperature reported was in Red Wing and Winona both at 81.F The Rochester Metro has the warmest temp un officially with 82.F.

Stunning weather ahead! Very warm almost Summer-like week forecasted with record breaking temps most days this weeks. Near 80 tomarrow! Updated X1

Regional weather view.

Record Warmth! That is the big story across the Midwest this week. A fully entrenched warm pattern has engulfed the entire U.S and is going to spread Summer-like warmth into Minnesota and Wisconsin. Temperatures as warm as the 70s to 80.F ispossible as far north as Southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. With mid 80s in Iowa. This week will just be a dry, and very warm week.

Regional and Local weather views.

 Stunning week ahead-Record Temperatures everyday!

 

This is going to be a stunning week in the local area with record warmth likely everyday. It will feel very Summer-like and nothing like March as our average high is about 45.F and our lows will not even be anywhere near this! Each and every day this week through Sunday and even into next week will be in the 70s, but for the forecasted time frame it will feature sunny skies with temperatures at or above 70.F with lows in the 50s, in some causes lows will be as warm as the mid 50s. Wednesday will be the warmest day following closely by Thursday Highs will be in the upper 70s, near 80 in most areas Wedneday, and I would not be shocked to see inner city Rochester stations hit the 80 degree mark. There will be no rain to speak of through Friday, just a stunningly beautiful week, hopefully many will make the extra time in the evening to go outdoors!

Wednesday, Very Warm! and Very Nice! Record highs likely. Sunny with highs in the upper 70s with low 80s possible inner city Rochester. Wednesday Night, Very Mild, Clear with lows in the low 50s.

Thursday, Very Warm and Very Nice! Record highs likely. Sunny with highs in the mid 70s. Thursday Night, Very mild clear with lows in the mid 50s.

Friday, Very Warm and Very Nice! Record highs likely. Sunny with highs in the mid 70s. Friday Night, Very Mild, Clear with lows in the upper 50s.

Looking Ahead Very warm temperatures continue into the weekend with the threat for thunderstorms late next weekend.

For those wondering if the warmth will continue into the weekend, your in luck! Both weekend days should feature temperatures in the 70s There is a small chance at some thunderstorm activity Saturday Night and Sunday but at this time it looks minimal. The 70+ degree weather will last into Monday of next week, Then moving onto Tuesday looks to have a chance of a thunderstorm outbreak. Heavy rains and the potential for severe weather would certainly be possible. It cools off slightly for the following weekend but it still looks more on the mild side. The models hold onto mild weather with another chances at showers as we approach near the end of March.

Spring Growth Update #1 Snow Crocus and Snowdrops in Full bloom, Early flowering trees blooming!

Blooms of Sliver Maple March 11th 2012

The calender may say winter, but the signs of spring are everywhere. This is an exciting time of year for Gardeners and I like to follow spring through to leaf out and with this weeks weather were well on our way! A beautiful weekend in the upper 60s with sunshine has lead to early spring growth to start weeks ahead of schedule! Southern Minnesota is not normally seeing sigificant growth until the second to last week of March. With a morning low of 42.F and a high today of 66.F it was a perfect day to get out and take pictures. Above are Silver Maple blooms, not many people take the time to notice them much as they have to petals becuase there a wind pollinated bloom and are not showy, but they certainly add a sweetness to the air before they become a nusinces and drop seeds everywhere later in the year!

Yellow Snow Crocus March 8th 2012

The snow crocus are in full bloom now and came into full bloom just in time for my 21st birthday! It was quite a nice surprise. I took this photo last Thursday and I did note to myself that this is the 1st time I seen Crocus blooming in time for my Birthday.

Full garden view. March 11th 2012

This is the full garden view I took today. Right now Snow Crocus are the only blooms I have, I planted more crocus in colors of Purple and White but I'm still waiting for those to bloom, they bloom about a week later then the yellow, so I suspect I should be seeing those soon. Daffodils are about 4 inches tall with flower buds well out of the ground, Hyaciths also have flower buds starting to rise, and lastly the Tulips have 1st leaves well out and their well on there way to growing.

 Area Snowdrops March 11th 2012

Walking around old neighborhoods in the city I could see snowdrops in bloom! This is the first time I've ever seen snowdrops in person, and I had not known they were so small! I've tried them in my Wisconsin garden but they did not work out for me. Next fall I may have to try these again!

Warming trend for the weekend, 60s by Saturday! Increasing chances for rainshowers late Sunday into Monday. 70s possible next week!

Regional Weather View.

Continued Warmth will be  the main story across the Upper Midwest through Saturday. A warming trend will bring 50s and 60s back region wide, which will continue to depelete the snowpack across the north. Sunday and Monday a low pressure system will spread clouds and rainshowers across Iowa, Eastern Minnesota and Wiscoinsin. It will be warm enough that most of this will fall as rain.

Regional and Metro view.

Friday, Monderate tempetures will start on a warming trend which begin with sunny skies and highs in the mid 40s Friday, lows in the low 30s.

Beautiful Saturday!

A warm front will pass through the area and bring on a sigificant warm up for Saturday and bringing the area a beautiful day. Under sunny skies, highs around 60.F are likely with lows in the upper 30s, Winds will be a bit breezy from the south, but it will be a warm wind, gusting to 25MPH at times. People should go outdoors to enjoy Saturday because Sunday it will begin to cloud up.

Rainshowers developing later Sunday

 Most of the day Sunday will br dry with highs in the mid 50s, but during the evening and overnight showers will begin developing, some could be on the moderate side, but heavy rain is not expected. Lows will be in the mid 40s Sunday Night. Monday will be cloudy with showers espessially early, some thunder is possible, with highs in the upper 50s and lows in the 40s. Rainfall are questionible at this time but up to a quarter inch is possible.

Friday, Mild, Suny and Nice! Highs in the mid 40s. Friday Night, Clear skies, lows in the low 30s.

Saturday, Much warmer and Breezy, Very Nice! Sunny with highs in the low 60s. South winds to 25MPH Saturday Night, Mild, Partly cloudy with lows in the mid 40s.

Sunday, Increasing clouds, light rain developing late. Highs in the mid 50s. Sunday Night, A good chance of rain, could be moderate at times with thunder possible. Lows in the low 40s.

Monday, A chance of rain early then mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 50s. Monday Night, Partly Cloudy lows in the low 40s.

Looking Ahead Spring-like Warmth Continues!!! 70s possible next week!

Sunday and Mondays rain will set the stage for a beautiful spring like week! It will be dry and sunny most of next week, Sunshine looks likely most days with 60s almost likely every day through Friday, there is even a chance that 70.F degree tempetures may be reached around midweek! The dry, beautiful weather will last through Friday. Next weekend a strong cold front and storm system will bring a threat for thunderstorms and heavy rain. This weather system could bring the threat for Severe thunderstorms to the local area on Sunday the 18th and a few days after, The models are keeping it very week each day through the 22nd with every other day having the threat for heavy rain and thunderstorms. The weekend of the 23rd looks to dry out with a breaif cooldown, before it warms up for the weekend. More on this later.

Beautiful day today- Very warm temperatures well into the 60s, some spots hit 65 today! Crocus Picture included.

Blue skies during a beautiful mild day contrast Downtown Rochester March 6th 2012

Today was a stunningly beautiful day across the local area, featuring crystal clear skies with highs at every station well into the 60s, not a record breaker, but at least 25 to 30 degrees above normal! The cause of the warmth is a well above normal air mass that has enveloped most of the Upper Midwest from a warm front which past through Southern Minnesota last night. The wind was a bit stiff out of the Southwest gusting to 30MPH at times but it was a warm wind for sure. The warm temperatures brought many outdoors in shorts and short sleeves as it felt very spring like feeling more like April then March, I was able to take a walk today without a coat, and I have not been able to say that very often so early in March. I did see my first bees today buzzing around during class which took place outdoors today!

Yellow snow crocus open up wide on a warm sunny March day March 6th 2012

The spring bulbs progressed much faster today and got a good head start in the warmth that allowed them to. Daffodils and Hyacinths are showing flower buds and Tulips are getting 1st leaves and turning red.  The yellow Snow Crocus are approaching full bloom and the Dutch crocus I planted which are in colors of purple and white should be showing soon as its normal for them to bloom about a week after Snow Crocus. All these spring bulbs certainly extremely early. It is unheard of to me and are by far the earliest I've seen blooming Crocus, in all my years of gardening I cannot recall even 1 time when Crocus bloomed before my March 8th birthday, but my new southerly latitude much be taken into account, but even locals agree its about 3 weeks early.

Highs reported.

All stations were above 60.F The warmest official temperature was Preston at 64.F The warmest temperature over was in inner city Rochester with a high of 65.F

Very Beautiful and breezy start to the week. 40s Mon, then sigificant warm to the 60s Tuesday! A chance of rainshowers Wednesday, but nice again by Thursday.

Regional weather view.

The huge story making news in the Upper Midwest this week is no longer a chance for snowstorms, but a significant warm up that will bring very mild spring like weather to the region. A strong warm up will bring 60s as far north as Southern Minnesota, 50s as far north as snowcovered areas of Northern WI and MN and 70s as close as Southern Iowa. A cool front will bring the threat for rainshowers Wednesday, before it clears out and stays mild for the region Thursday.

Local and Metro views.

A stunningly beautiful week ahead for the local area, a significant warm up is in store as a strong warm front brings in mild air from the southwest. Monday will be the start of this mild pattern. Winds tomorrow will change southwesterly and be breezy gusting to 30MPH.  It will be sunny and much warmer with highs in the 40s. Lows will fall only the the low 30s. Tuesday will be our warmest day in the next 4 as high will be 30 degrees above normal as uur significant warm up peaks out under sunny skies and breezy southwest winds. With no snowcover I see no reason why most places wont at least reach 60.F, with a few spots getting slightly above that! Lows will actually be what our normal highs should be in the low 40s. Wednesday will be partly sunny and not as breezy, highs will be in the middle 40s, but a weak cool front will slide into the state bringing a chance for light rain showers in the afternoon and evening. about a 10th of an inch or so is possible, but It will be a quick moving system and out of our hair by Thursday Morning. Thursday Sunny skies come back into the picture with highs in the mid to upper 40s. and lows in the upper 20s

Monday, Much Warmer, Breezy southwest winds up to 30MPH. Mostly sunny with highs in the low 40s Monday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the low 30s.

Tuesday, Very Mild and Nice! Breezy with southwest winds to 35MPH Sunny and warm with highs in the low 60s. Tuesday Night, Very Mild! Partly cloudy with lows in the low to mid 40s.

Wednesday, Partly Cloudy with increasing clouds and a chance of rainshowers late. Highs in the mid 40s. Wednesday Night, A chance of rain, cooler with lows in the upper 20s.

Thursday, Clearing skies and nice! Sunny with highs in the mid 40s. Thursday Night, Clear skies, lows in the mid 20s.

Looking Ahead

    Spring has begun? It sure looks like in in the models becuase I see nothing but warmth and dry weather! Next weekend looks very mild and sunny, I'm sure 50s would be likely. Starting in the week of the 12th all the way through the 16th continues to look very warm, but it stays dry through the entire time. A few days in the week between the 12th and the 16th has the chance to flirt with 70s here in Southern Minnesota! Then on Saturday the 16th the models show a cool front bringing rain showers and a brief cool down before it warms back up around the 20th. All in all a very warm extended forecast.