From 80 to freezing in a week?

Central and southern Minnesota are enjoying another summer Saturday.

The Saturday high temperature forecast map above looks more in late August than October. Highs push the 80-degree mark again in southern Minnesota on Saturday. Highs in the 70s will be common in central Minnesota, with the 60s in the north.

I laid out the final thoughts on this weekend precipitation schedule and severe risk in my post earlier Friday.

Notice the surge in cooler temperatures on Sunday with the 60s to the north and the lower 70s to the south.

Big changes next week

Next week starts off pretty smoothly. Monday and Tuesday promise to be sunny and pleasant with peaks in the 60s to 70s.

But forecasting models take hold of a potentially larger storm system, similar to October, from Wednesday to Thursday. This system could provide more extensive precipitation and winds in Minnesota. You know, like a more typical October storm?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GFS model tracks the system north to Minnesota next Wednesday.

This system has the potential to deliver big waves and surf the North Shore next Wednesday.

Precipitation totals through next week suggest several inches are possible in the Dakotas and northern Minnesota. This would help alleviate the drought.

Frosted at the end of next week?

A gust of colder air behind next week’s storm looks set to finally bring some more typical October chill into the air. Frost appears likely again in parts of northern Minnesota at the end of next week.

And the highs might not go past the 50s by next Friday.

Stay tuned.