Temperatures start climbing again Thursday
Northern Minnesota is starting the day with a few rain showers
The smoke in the air has diminished across Minnesota, but under more sunshine much of the state can expect temperatures back in the 90s.
Thursday’s forecast
On Wednesday our wind pattern shifted, changing to a southerly wind flow, which both cut off the smoke coming in from Canadian fires and started dispersing the smoke already in Minnesota.
Winds continue to come in from the south Thursday, and the air quality across the state has already improved noticeably versus the past two days. However, that flow also pulls in warmer, more humid air.
Most of Minnesota is starting Thursday in the 60s and 70s. Highs will be predominantly in the 90s west and 80s east.
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For most of the state this is significantly warmer than Wednesday both because of the warmer wind pattern, but also due to more sunshine. For example, International Falls only made it to 67 under smoky skies Wednesday but should make it back into the 80s Thursday under more sun (the average high is currently 78).
A disturbance is moving across the state as of Thursday morning, bringing some very spotty showers and storms, particularly to northern Minnesota.
This instability moves into Wisconsin by afternoon, taking most of the rain chances with it, although some precipitation could linger into the afternoon around the Arrowhead. Significant rainfall is not expected.
Another rain chance comes Friday, and that carries a severe weather risk.
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 morning.