Thursday starts off with needed rain

Showers and storms continue for parts of Minnesota through Thursday morning, and even behind a cold front, temperatures stay mild for late September.

Thursday’s forecast

A cold front that has passed through all but the southern edge of the state is bringing showers and storms from central to southeastern Minnesota as of 7 a.m. Thursday.

These storms are not expected to be severe, but small hail is possible. They will clear west to east through the morning, although some spotty showers could linger into the afternoon in southeastern Minnesota. Most of the rain totals with this system are staying under a half inch, with a couple isolated higher amounts, but any rain is needed, as the entire state has had a very dry September.

As the wet weather clears, more sunshine returns. 

Behind the cold front, temperatures will be cooler than Wednesday, with 70s south and west, 60s for northern Minnesota and 50s by Lake Superior, but this is still slightly above average for late September. 

Much of the reason the North Shore will stay in the 50s is because of the wind pattern off the lake. Gusty northeast winds are also causing higher waves, leading to a small craft advisory, and there is a high rip current risk near Duluth.

Temperatures rise again Friday before a big drop over the weekend.  That extended forecast will be updated around 9 a.m.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday.