NEW ULM — Friday’s daytime high of 74 degrees in New Ulm shattered the March 14 all-time high temperature of 65 degrees set in 1946 and 1974.

It was the second record-setting high this week. Wednesday’s high temperature of 60 in New Ulm broke the existing record of 57 degrees.

“There is a very amplified, wavy jet stream right now with some big temperature increases and drops. But climbing into the mid 70s is pretty unusually warm,” said Chanhassen National Weather Service Meteorologist Brent Hewett.

“I think we’ll get some more warm-ups into the 60s and 70s during the day in March and early April, but cooler temperatures will follow them. I see normal or above normal spring temperatures and average precipitation the next few weeks,” he said.

Hewett predicted light snow, up to a half inch Saturday with more snow in western Minnesota, where he said precipitation is needed the most.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a high wind warning, with 30 to 40 mph wind and gusts to 60 mph from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday for Brown, Redwood, Renville and Kandiyohi counties.

Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. The public was urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.