Drier skies return for the weekend
Temperatures trend cool enough next week for possible snow
Rainy weather continues Friday, with a drier break coming over the weekend. Temperatures next week trend below average, which means some of the upcoming precipitation could come as snow.
Friday’s forecast
The wet pattern Minnesota has been stuck under since Tuesday is persisting Friday, with scattered showers throughout the state.
Temperatures again stayed fairly consistent through the overnight, with most of the state starting the day in the 40s and a few 30s north.
Because of all the recent moisture and areas of lighter winds, there are areas of morning fog in northeastern Minnesota that will lift by late morning.
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The low pressure center of the storm that stayed almost stationary over Minnesota Thursday finally begins slowly sliding east on Friday. The position of the low had been keeping southeastern Minnesota warmer than the rest of the state, but the pattern change now puts almost all of Minnesota with highs in the 40s, and just a few 50s along the eastern edge of the state.
Although the entire state can expect periods of showers to continue Friday, the low pressure moving off also means the rain starts winding down by evening. The precipitation exits most of Minnesota by late Friday night.
Additional rainfall Friday will be light for most of the state, with central and northern Minnesota most likely to see higher amounts over a half an inch.
Weekend forecast
By Saturday morning, the rain clears, but the Arrowhead could be dealing with another round of morning fog behind all the recent moisture. Clouds move out west to east through the day wit most of the state seeing more sunshine by Saturday afternoon.
Sunday also stays predominantly dry, although chances for spotty showers increase through the day, with areas of light rain likely by evening.
Despite the largely drier weather and return of some sunshine, temperatures do not rise too much over the weekend, as winds stay predominantly from the north.
Highs Saturday will be mostly in the 50s with a few 40s north, followed by pervasive 50s and few 60s possible in southern Minnesota on Sunday.
On the right is that forecast for the Twin Cities through the weekend and into Monday.
Trending cooler
The wet weather that starts moving in Sunday evening brings widespread precipitation Monday, and temperatures will be cool enough that a little snow could mix in with the rain for northern Minnesota early Monday morning.
Behind that system, temperatures drop more, with highs expected to be only in the 30s and 40s Tuesday. Because of this, as the precipitation ends on Tuesday, even portions of southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, could see some light snow mix in with the rain.
After that, temperatures are likely to stay at or below average for the remainder of the week, with 40s and occasional 50s in northern and central Minnesota, and 50s south.
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.