Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Much of Minnesota is waking to dense fog Monday

Sunny and very mild by the afternoon

Most of eastern of Minnesota is starting Monday of with areas of fog, but it gives way to sunshine by late morning, and those sunny skies help put highs in the 70s.

Monday’s forecast

In the large-scale weather pattern across the U.S., Minnesota is currently sitting under a broad ridge of higher pressure. This is responsible for dry and mild weather across the state.

However, with the clear skies and light winds under that ridge, along with lengthening nights providing more time for the air temperature to cool down to the dew point temperature, widespread fog is impacting the state Monday morning. This includes the Twin Cities, where the fog is likely to impact the morning commute.

weather graphic
Dense fog advisory until 9 a.m.
National Weather Service

Because of the thick fog, most of eastern Minnesota is under a dense fog advisory until 9 a.m., with many spots seeing visibility reduced to a quarter mile or lower.

With less fog, western Minnesota will start Monday with sunshine, and the rest of the state turns sunny as the fog lifts. 

The state is already starting Monday above average for early October, with 40s and 50s.

Under mostly sunny skies, highs are forecast to range from 5 to 15 degrees above average, with almost the entire state in the 70s.

weather graphic
Monday high temperatures
National Weather Service

Sunny and mild conditions continue until late week, when another rain chance returns.

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.