Weather Blog: More Sunshine, Warm Weather Ahead
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- After a beautiful first weekend of October, expect more sunshine and unseasonably warm weather for this upcoming week.
A ridge in the upper levels of the atmosphere has pushed east and will stagnate over the state for the next several days. So break out the T-shirt and shades and get ready for a string of 80 degree days, as the ridge will promote temperatures of 15-plus degrees above the average into midweek next week.
In addition to the warmth, abundant sunshine will also prevail with a few high clouds arriving by late day Wednesday. This spell of spectacular weather will coincide with the peak of fall foliage across many parts of the state, which is sure to inspire many bikers and hikers to take in the sights.
Sunny and dry weather is certainly enjoyable, but we are in desperate need of rain. According to the National Weather Service, September 2011 was the driest on record at the MSP airport and the second driest on record in the Twin Cities.
Much of the southern portion of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor, with areas of moderate drought across southwestern Minnesota. Across the Arrowhead, conditions of moderate to severe drought persist.
