Summer’s swan song now, major changes next week

If only the weekend started today!

If you have an extra comp day or vacation day lying around may I suggest you consider using it today or Friday? Self employed? Maybe this is the time to adjust your schedule for some quality time on the golf course or at the lake?

Our extended fling with late summer weather lasts another 36 hours. A developing storm in the Rockies will bring a cool front Friday night that could be the beginning of what looks like a lasting, seasonal change.

First the good news.

Mild southerly breezes blow again today and Friday. That means two more afternoons with highs in the 70s pretty much statewide. The exception? The North Shore of Lake Superior where cooler breezes off of 40 something water temps will hold temps in the 50s and 60s.

Minnesota remains on the warm side of the system through Friday. A few severe storms are possible as close as the Red River Valley Friday. The cold front swings through Friday night bringing a much cooler weekend with highs in the 50s and low 60s.

The heaviest rainfall with this system will be in the Dakotas and Nebraska. Rainfall total in Minnesota will generally remain under .25" for the state.

Bye bye summer? Big changes next week

The weather maps do not look kind for those wishing for our extended summer to last. Temps will be as much as 20 degrees cooler next week. That shouldn't be a big shock. After all , it is mid-October.

Here's a look at the temp plunge ahead courtesy of the European model.

The next system due in late Monday and Tuesday looks wetter for Minnesota. Early trends indicate a good 1"+ rainfall is possible next week.

The system may be marginally cold enough for a few flakes in central Minnesota, but all the models indicate it should be too warm for October flurries in the metro.

At least not yet.

Note to self. Get out and enjoy the next 36 hours!