This is going to be even better than the "Wild Thing" at Valleyfair. No risk of barfing, no long lines, and it's totally free. Every Minnesotan is invited to ride the Canadian Express, a temperature roller coaster like no other. A few extra layers, good tires, an ice scraper? You're all set. Please keep your hands inside and enjoy the ride.
In reality this is just the appetizer, the opening salvo of c-c-cold to come. Temperatures tumble through the 40s today with a cold rain as a storm spins up over the Great Lakes. The lowest mile of the atmosphere may be just cold enough for wet snowflakes to mix in tonight. Ground temps are still mild, so I don't expect any slush in the metro, but a snowy inch or two may pile up on unsuspecting squirrels from Mille Lacs to Park Rapids.
Rain showers return Saturday, but the sun comes out Sunday as temperatures push into the 60s. I could see 70 here Monday. I feel a sick day coming on.
No full frontal arctic assaults; Canadian air dribbles south in the coming weeks, giving us a chance to catch our breath.
Fasten your seat belt.
