Feels like September again; some great fall colors to the north

Thunderstorms return late Tuesday

Our “second summer” has ended. After 7 consecutive days with highs in the 80s in the Twin Cities metro area, we’ll probably top out in the upper 60s to around 70 today. I guess that’s appropriate, since the astronomical start of autumn is at 2:50 a.m. on Monday.

Temperature trends

Most of Minnesota and western Wisconsin will see Sunday afternoon highs in the 60s, but a few spots will touch 70.

Highs in the 70s return to many locations on Monday:

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Monday forecast highs
National Weather Service

Most areas will reach the 70s on Tuesday, with some lower 80s possible in southwestern Minnesota:

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Tuesday forecast highs
National Weather Service

Twin Cities metro area highs are projected to reach the upper 60s Wednesday through Friday.

Rain chances

Far northern Minnesota and far southern Minnesota could see some rain showers at times this Sunday. Elsewhere in Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, a passing light sprinkle is possible. Updated weather information can be heard on the MPR network, and you’ll also see updated weather info on the MPR News live weather blog.

Heavy rainfall is possible in parts of eastern Iowa and far southern Wisconsin, where flash flood watches continue through Sunday evening:

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Flash food watch Sunday and Sunday evening
National Weather Service

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to spread across Minnesota and western Wisconsin as we go through Tuesday afternoon and evening. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's North American Mesoscale forecast model shows the potential rain pattern Tuesday and Tuesday evening:

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NOAA NAM simulated radar Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening
Tropicaltidbits.com

A few strong or severe thunderstorms will be possible late Tuesday, so check forecast updates.

Fall colors

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued a fall color report that shows many areas with substantial fall color in northern Minnesota:

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Fall colors Sunday Sept. 22
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Keep in mind that the fall color report includes all deciduous trees, not just maples. The brilliant fall colors will expand across the remainder of Minnesota in the next couple of weeks.

A Wisconsin fall color report is also available.

Tropical storm Jerry

Tropical Storm Jerry could affect Bermuda Tuesday into early Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center shows this track for Jerry:

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Forecast track of Tropical Storm Jerry
NWS National Hurricane Center

Jerry is moving toward the north-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h). A turn toward the north is expected on Monday, followed by a turn toward the northeast late Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of Jerry is expected to pass near Bermuda late Tuesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher gusts. Some slight strengthening is possible during the next day or so. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km) from the center.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays and at 7:35 a.m., 9:35 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.