Spectacular summery weekend; big changes ahead next week

Next thunderstorms chance arrives Monday. Next week brings a taste of October.

Sunset sailing on Lake Minnetonka
Sunset sailing on Lake Minnetonka in September.
Paul Huttner/MPR News

The weather maps are shining brightly on Minnesota this weekend.

Astronomical fall begins next Wednesday, September 22 with the autumnal equinox at 2:21 pm CDT. Our last weekend of astronomical summer will feel like June and July.

High pressure brings plenty of warm late September sunshine this weekend. After a cool start Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon will feel like June across Minnesota. Highs will reach the 70s, with dew points in the glorious 40s.

Forecast high temperatures Saturday
Forecast high temperatures Saturday.
NOAA

Sunday brings another July flashback. Highs surge into the upper 80s to 90 degrees in the south, with 80s pushing well into northern Minnesota.

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Forecast high temperatures Sunday
Forecast high temperatures Sunday.
NOAA

Dew points in the 60s will increase the sticky factor Sunday.

Next thunder Monday

Our next cold front pushes into Minnesota Monday. (How’s that for weekend timing Minnesota?) It’s too early to be precise about storm coverage, timing, or any severe risk. But my early read is that Monday has the potential to bring more severe weather to Minnesota.

NOAA’s GFS model paints scattered storms moving across most of Minnesota at some point Monday.

NOAA GFS model Monday
NOAA GFS model Monday between 1 am and 7 pm.
NOAA via tropical tidbits

Much colder next week

Temperatures will plunge to October levels behind the cold front next Tuesday. Highs will hover in the 50s north and lower 60s south.

Forecast high temperatures Tuesday
Forecast high temperatures Tuesday.
NOAA

Overnight lows likely dip into the 30s in northern Minnesota by next Wednesday. Frost is quite possible up north next week.

Forecast minimum temps Wednesday
Forecast minimum temps Wednesday.
NOAA

Enjoy our lovely weekend!