A bright and mild start to our week; much cooler by Friday, with flake chances
Next Saturday looks windy and cold, with rain/snow possible
Our fall colors are still spotty in St. Paul. You can drive down one street and see mostly green leaves, then turn a corner and be treated to this:
The Sunday fall color report from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources looked like this:
Keep in mind that the fall color report includes all deciduous trees, not just maples. A Wisconsin fall color report is also available.
Temperature trends
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Most of Minnesota, plus west-central Wisconsin, will see Monday highs in the 60s. There’ll be some 50s in far northern Minnesota. The Twin Cities metro area will probably reach the mid 60s.
Most areas will top out in the 60s on Tuesday:
Similar highs are on tap for Wednesday, but cooler air moves into parts of the northwest:
I wouldn’t be surprised if a few spots in the Twin Cities metro area reach 70 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday. Metro area highs are projected to reach about 60 degrees on Thursday. We could start at about 50 early on Friday, with temps falling into the 40s.
Rain and snow chances
Rain is expected to spread into Minnesota Wednesday afternoon and evening, then continue across most of Minnesota and western Wisconsin on Thursday. Some of the rain could mix with snow in parts of western Minnesota late Thursday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Global Forecast System (GFS) model shows the potential precipitation pattern Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening:
The GFS model shows the potential for some accumulating snow in parts of western Minnesota Thursday night and Friday, with rain or a rain/snow mix in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A combination of rain and snow could linger into Saturday in Minnesota and Wisconsin, along with strong winds. This low pressure system could have travel impacts in some areas on Friday and Saturday, so check forecast updates as we go through the week.
In the meantime, I know that you’ll enjoy the beautiful autumn weather this Monday and Tuesday.