The Twin Cities welcomed fewer layers and more highs on the warmest Feb. 27 since 1896, according to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen.
Temperatures in Minneapolis and St. Paul reached 58 degrees on Saturday afternoon, breaking the daily record hit in the late 19th century. Other record-breaking areas included St. Cloud, which exceeded its daily and monthly record of 58 degrees, and Eau Claire, Wis., surpassing its daily record of 60 degrees.
"It's a combination of nice air with the southwesterly winds throughout our area," said meteorologist Andy Lahr. Sunny skies and a ground largely absent of snow also contributed to the day's balminess, Lahr said.
The unseasonably warm day is concurrent with an uncommonly mild winter, Lahr said, and also exhibits the El Nino pattern that's propelled warmer temperatures across North America.
The record-breaking day fits into a trend of climbing temperatures over the last few decades, Lahr said.
Natalie Daher • 952-746-3285
