Minnesota likely sees the final 80s of the year
A couple rounds of needed rain are on the way
Above average temperatures continue through Saturday, then the month ends on a much colder note. Meanwhile, spotty showers and storms could include isolated severe weather Friday evening.
Friday’s forecast
Thanks to southerly winds drawing in warmer air, Friday morning started off warm for late September, in the 50s and 60s.
The same pattern responsible for the mild morning will bring much of the state into the 70s and 80s by afternoon under sunshine. The Arrowhead could see more 60s thanks to extra cloud cover and rain chances.
Any 80s Friday or possibly Saturday, are likely to be the last of the season as 80s become much less likely into October, especially since we will be starting that month off cool.
The current mild weather is the warm sector ahead of a storm system that crosses the state Friday, bringing a cold front across the state west to east through the day.
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As of Friday morning, showers are already moving into northwestern Minnesota as the front approaches. Showers and storms will move across northern and possibly into central Minnesota through the day.
There is an isolated chance for stronger storms in the Arrowhead during the afternoon and evening hours, then both the rain and the front clear through Minnesota by late evening.
Weekend forecast
As the rain clears Friday night, areas of dense fog are expected to develop overnight into Saturday morning, similar to what portions of the state saw Friday morning.
After the fog lifts Saturday, more rain moves into northern Minnesota as another weather disturbance and cold front start making their way through the state.
This time, some showers and storms could make it into even parts of southern Minnesota, although precipitation is still expect to stay relatively light.
Temperatures also turn noticeably colder over the weekend. Behind Friday’s cold front, northern Minnesota see highs in the 60s Saturday, with southern Minnesota mostly in the 70s, and a couple isolated 80s are possible.
Although slightly cooler than Friday, this is still above average. By Sunday, even colder air moves in, dropping even southern Minnesota into the 60s for highs.
Here is that forecast trend for the Twin Cities:
The cooler air then lingers through the week, with chillier highs in the 50s for parts of the state by midweek.
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:48 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.