More spring-like pattern setting in for the first full week of May

After a very 'blah' week, we all have our sights set towards a little warmer pattern setting in for next week.  After one of the coldest starts to May in over 90 years, each day through the weekend will be a little warmer.  From the 50s Friday to the 60s on Saturday and Sunday to possibly the 70's by the middle of next week, we're all looking for a little warmth.  While we'll still remain in the 60s for next Monday and Tuesday, temperatures will be warming behind a warm front late Wednesday into Thursday.  Another strong storm system will develop in the middle of the country, but unlike this past one, it won't sit and linger for five days.

Near record heat is possible this weekend for parts of the central Plains where temperatures will climb into the low 90s.  And, while some of that warmth will shift in our direction, we have to watch the placement of a warm front Tuesday and Wednesday.  Easterly winds and the possibility of rain and thunderstorms could keep that warm front just to the south through Wednesday afternoon.  If it does, the real warmth will come Thursday when the warm front is expected to surge into Wisconsin.  Either way, next week is looking warmer than what we've felt this week.

The threat for rain will increase late Tuesday with the warm front from the Plains into Iowa and Minnesota.  The active storm zone will stay closely tied to the low and warm front next week, so depending on exactly where that ends up will determine how much rain we'll end up seeing.