Rain finally returns to Minnesota Thursday

Isolated severe weather is possible

Showers and a few storms move across Minnesota Thursday, and temperatures stay slightly cooler.

Thursday’s forecast

Rain started moving into Minnesota late Wednesday and spotty showers and storms spread across the state during the overnight.

weather graphic
Forecast storm position midday Thursday
National Weather Service

This is ahead of an area of low pressure north of Minnesota which will sweep a cold front across the state during the day.

That keeps occasional showers and storms around during the day, although rainfall will be limited, with much of the state seeing around a tenth of and inch or less. 

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For much of Minnesota, this will be the first rainfall in over a week.

There could be a couple isolated severe storms in eastern or southern Minnesota during the afternoon or evening.

Ahead of the cold front, Minnesota is still under a southerly wind flow, making for a mild start Thursday, with most places in the 60s.

The extra cloud cover and rain Thursday keep afternoon temperatures cooler than the past couple days, with highs forecast in the upper 70s and low 80s.

weather graphic
Thursday high temperatures
National Weather Service

Most of the showers and storms clear out by late Thursday night, and the northerly winds behind the front could draw more smoke and haze back into parts of Minnesota.

A chance for more significant rainfall comes Saturday.

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.