Thanksgiving forecast: Turkey on the barbie?

President Obama stands with daughters Malia and Sasha after the president pardoned Liberty, a 45-pound turkey, Wednesday on the North Portico of the White House. At left is National Turkey Federation Chairman Richard Huisinga. Liberty and another turkey, Peace, were selected from among 30 turkeys raised and groomed by student members of the Future Farmers of America in Willmar, Minn. The upper Midwest is expected to have record-high temps on Thanksgiving Day.

By Ken Hanson

November 22, 2011 at 1:37 PM

Thanksgiving is expected to be so warm and sunny that southeastern Minnesotans could consider grilling their turkey outdoors this year.

The forecast high of 60 degrees would easily break the local record for Nov. 24 of 56 degrees, set in 1990. The normal temp for the date is 36 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The warm temperature, however, might be moderated by winds of 14 mph to 17 mph, gusting to 25 mph.

The winds will calm slightly at night, with a low temp of 45, says the weather service.

Friday will be partly sunny, with a high near 55 and south winds of 10 mph to 15 mph. There's a 50 percent chance of rain Friday night.

On Saturday, the high is 43 degrees under cloudy skies, with a 40 percent chance of rain.