Needed rain returns across Minnesota Wednesday
Temperatures stay above average for the next week
Light showers Tuesday are the precursor to a much wetter weather pattern that finally brings needed rain back to Minnesota.
Tuesday’s forecast
Tuesday began mild for May, with most places in the 50s and a few 40s, especially in the Arrowhead.
The southern edge of the state already has more clouds Tuesday morning, and that cloud cover increases across the rest of southern and central Minnesota through the afternoon. This is due to low pressure that slides south of the state, and it also brings rain showers to southern Minnesota, particularly in the afternoon.
Winds also pick up by the afternoon, with gusts over 20 mph for most of the state. That southerly flow keeps highs above average once more.
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Because northern Minnesota also sees more sunshine Tuesday, that gets the highest temperatures again with a couple 80s, while the rest of the state sees highs in the 70s.
Soaking rain
By Wednesday, a change in the large-scale weather pattern brings significant moisture back into the state. A southerly flow all the way from the Gulf of Mexico keeps our weather wetter and temperatures above average at least through early next week.
Because of this flow, rain is forecast to return across the entire state by Wednesday afternoon, and increase into Thursday.
Mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers and occasional storms are then likely to stick around through early next week. Even during breaks in the rain, the pattern keeps the humidity high, making it feel more like summer weather.
Through Sunday, much of Minnesota can expect rain totals of at least a half-inch to an inch of rain, with additional precipitation early next week.
Totals will also be higher in areas that see heavier thunderstorms.
While the rain and clouds keep the sunshine limited through the weekend, the rain should make a huge dent in the recent parched conditions Minnesota has been experiencing.
Meanwhile, the southerly flow keeps temperatures slightly above average, with most of Minnesota in the 70s and 80s through early next week.
Here is the Twin Cities temperature forecast through Friday:
Programming note
You can hear my live weather updates on Minnesota Public Radio at 7:49 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.