Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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It’s raining in parts of Minnesota today. That fact could be a headline all on its own in this summer of expanding, deepening drought. 

Thursday and this weekend bring the best opportunities for rainfall to Minnesota. A weak frontal system crosses Minnesota Thursday. It’s not very strong, but it will be enough to squeeze out scattered rain and a few thunderstorms. 

NOAA’s HRRR model paints scattered blips of rain and a few thundershowers Thursday. The loop below runs between 1 a.m. 10 p.m. Thursday. 

Severe weather is unlikely. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center does not have any severe weather risk areas for Minnesota Thursday. 

Better chances for significant rainfall this weekend

This weekend brings a stronger system and better chances for significant rainfall. A low-pressure wave tracks eastward from the Dakotas into Minnesota. The Canadian model paints scattered rain and thunderstorms across Minnesota this weekend.

It won’t rain all the time this weekend, but expect occasional periods of rain and thunder.

Rainfall totals could exceed an inch in many areas through the weekend. Some locally lucky areas may see 2 inches or more.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

Welcome rainfall is possible for much of Minnesota

European model (ECMWF) precipitation output

ECMWF via pivotal weather

NOAA HRRR model from 7 am Thursday to 1 am Friday

Tracking rain chances through the weekend

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