Above-average temperatures allowing Plains, Midwest to thaw out this week
Above-average temperatures will stick around through at least Thursday
Plains, Midwest to warm up this week as arctic air exits
It's been bitterly cold in the Northern Plains and Midwest recently, but a brief "warmup" is expected to bring some relief to the region.
While the eastern half of the country is experiencing bitterly cold temperatures this week, it's a different story for the Plains and Midwest, where some areas are experiencing temperatures nearly 20 degrees above average for this time of year.
Minot, North Dakota, will be about 15 degrees above average on Jan. 11.
(FOX Weather)
One of the places enjoying the "warm" temperatures is Minot, North Dakota. Last week that area was experiencing wind-chill values more than 40 degrees below zero. Big changes are now underway, however.
On Monday, Minot was 23 degrees, which is average. It will be even warmer on Tuesday, as it's expected to be 38 degrees, which is 15 degrees above average.
And this warmup will last until at least Thursday.
High temperatures for Jan. 11.
While areas near the Canadian border will remain in the 20s and 30s, they will still be about 15 to 20 degrees higher than average.
Glasgow, Montana, will be 35 degrees Tuesday, and Bismark, North Dakota, will be nearly 40. Although it will be a bit windy, so it may feel cooler.
As we head south, the temperatures will rise. Rapid City, South Dakota, will get to 52 degrees.
That trend will spread across areas of Wyoming, Nebraska and Iowa, where temperatures will be in the 40s and lower 50s.
Many areas will be even warmer on Wednesday.
It will still be cooler farther to the north, but the Central Plains will see temperatures in the 40s and 50s, which is well above average for this time of year.
High temperatures in the Southern Plains on Jan. 11.
(FOX Weather)
The above-average temperatures will reach as far south as the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, but temperatures will be near average once you get to around Dallas/Fort Worth. Temperatures will be below average even farther south.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, will be nearly 60 degrees on Tuesday. And temperatures in the upper 50s will be felt in Dallas and Lubbock, Texas.
In areas of northern Louisiana, like Monroe, temperatures may hit 60 degrees, which is about average.
High temperatures on Jan. 12.
(FOX Weather)
The above-average temperatures will move farther to the south as we enter Wednesday. Most of northern Texas and Louisiana will be in the lower to mid-60s with plenty of sunshine in the region.