Dry Thursday; scattered showers possible late Friday through Sunday

It’s official! Duluth, Minnesota recorded their first 70 degree or warmer temperature of 2020 today, May 20 with a high of 72 degrees at the Airport. The last time Duluth had a temperature of 70 degrees or warmer was on October 9, 2019 when the high was 72 degrees. Note: The average date for the first 70 degree high temperature in Duluth is April 28.

International Falls, Minnesota has had back to back days (May 19-20, 2020) with an 80 degree or warmer temperature, the last time International Falls recorded 2 days in a row with an 80 degree or warmer temperature was on August 16-17, 2019.

Warm temps will continue roughly 10 to 20 miles inland from Lake Superior Thursday and Friday with high temperatures in the 70s with a few 80 degree temps even possible, but near Lake Superior expect highs in the upper 40s to upper 50s Thursday and Friday with easterly winds gusting up to 20 mph.

Could see some patchy fog or stratus develop over Lake Superior late tonight, and some of this could push onshore overnight, lingering into Thursday morning., and I wouldn’t be surprised if we are dealing with some more fog at times near Lake Superior this weekend due to the higher dew points across the area combined with the colder waters of Lake Superior.

Will stay dry across the Northland on Thursday and most of Friday, but a few showers could move in late Friday afternoon into Friday night mainly affecting western-southern portions of the Northland, and there are additional chances for rain through this weekend, but I have a feeling that some parts of the area will see little if any rain through the weekend as showers that develop should be scattered in coverage, some get wet, others stay dry or only get a few sprinkles.

Source: https://lab.weathermodels.com/

Cloud cover keeping temperatures in check this afternoon over parts of western Minnesota and the eastern Dakotas, but abundant sunshine farther north/east is leading to a warm late spring day!

Omega Block pattern is beginning to weaken just a bit.

A strong upper level ridge and higher 500mb heights covered the Great Lakes and upper Midwest today while strong upper lows/troughs and lower 500mb heights were found over the southeast US and northwest US.

Goes-16 visible satellite loop from Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

Sinking air – clear skies under the ridge covering the Great Lakes while clouds and rain go up and around the ridge today.

Source: https://weather.cod.edu/

Lower-level water vapor loop from Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

80s as far north as Ontario province Canada today while temperatures are only in the 50s across much of the Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic states.

Forecast for Duluth and Superior

.Tonight… Clear. Patchy fog possible overnight. Low 44 to 49. Wind east 5 to 15 mph.

.Thursday… Patchy fog possible early, otherwise partly to mostly sunny. High 68 to 73 but cooler near Lake Superior. Wind east 10 to 20 mph.

.Friday… Partly to mostly sunny. High 67 to 72 but cooler near Lake Superior. Wind east 10 to 20 mph.

Thanks for reading!

Tim