Wet weather continues through Wednesday

Rainy and occasionally stormy weather persists the first half of the week, then drier skies and seasonable warmth return.

Monday’s forecast

A stationary front to the southwest that brings a much wetter pattern to Minnesota for the next few days is also responsible for the return of milder weather in southern Minnesota, following a chilly weekend. 

That pattern, which gets significantly warmer as you head southwest, has morning temperatures in the 40s for the Twin Cities and southward, while the rest of the state started Monday in the 30s. 

The big contrast comes in the afternoon, where temperatures warm little in northern Minnesota, with chilly highs only in the 30s and 40s.  Meanwhile, the warmer weather south puts the southern edge of the state in the 60s and 70s.

Scattered rain showers continue all day, with a couple thunderstorms likely in the afternoon.  Because of the chilly weather north, some light snow or freezing rain could mix in for the Arrowhead during the morning hours, putting much of the area under a winter weather advisory until noon.

While the showers persist all day across the state, the major rain band Monday morning is over central Minnesota and will keep moving its way north through the morning.

Tuesday and Wednesday

The wet pattern continues Tuesday, and southern Minnesota could even see a few stronger storms in the afternoon, with large hail as the primary risk.

Rain also lingers Wednesday, especially in the morning hours. 

Here is the rain total forecast through the week, which mostly comprises the rain expected through Wednesday:

As you can see, most of the state is expecting under a half an inch, so heavy rain is unlikely outside of any thunderstorms, but it does stay grayer and wet.

Temperatures moderate by Tuesday, putting highs for most of Minnesota back in the 50s and low 60s both days.

Extended forecast

There may still be a couple isolated showers Thursday but, overall, the weather turns significantly drier and sunnier the second half of the week.

Temperatures continue to warm a few degrees, putting most of Minnesota back at or slightly above average by the end of the week.

Average highs for late April range from the upper 50s in northern Minnesota, to the mid-60s south.

Here is that forecast for the Twin Cities:

The weekend has the potential to be even warmer, with a few 70s possible in southern Minnesota.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.