Above-Freezing Temperatures Warm Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A December warm spell is pushing temperatures above freezing across Minnesota, but it won't last long.

The National Weather Service says mild weather is expected into Saturday. Temperatures rose to a spring-like 40 above zero in the Twin Cities on Friday afternoon. Madison hit 45 while Aitkin, Montevideo and Faribault rose to 43.

But forecasters say arctic cold is about to make a comeback.

A cold front is expected to sweep into western Minnesota by Saturday evening. Near-blizzard conditions are expected from west-central into south-central Minnesota Saturday night.

A wind chill advisory is out for southwestern Minnesota Saturday night and Sunday. Lows Sunday night are forecast to range from 35 below in northeastern Minnesota to 15 below in the south.

The cold is expected to last at least until midweek.