Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

October starts mild and dry. Wetter pattern ahead?

A pattern change to more widespread October rainstorms is emerging.

NOAA GFS precipitation output
NOAA GFS precipitation output through Oct. 19.
NOAA via pivotal weather

Our seemingly endless summer of ‘21 may finally be running out of steam.

This first full week of October brings one more shot of significantly milder than average weather to Minnesota. Morning fog Tuesday gives way to sunshine once again Tuesday afternoon. Southerly breezes the rest of this week should keep the atmosphere mixed at night and keep fog at bay.

High temperatures are still running a good 10 degrees above average this week. Look for plenty of 70s with a few 80s again nipping at western Minnesota.

Forecast high temperatures Tuesday
Forecast high temperatures Tuesday
NOAA

Wetter pattern developing

Most of this week will be pleasantly dry.

But by this weekend, scattered rains will begin to make a move into Minnesota.

European model (ECMWF) forecast late this week
European model (ECMWF) forecast late this week for Minneapolis. Temperatures in celsius.
Met Norway

And the forecast models for next week are starting to look more “interesting.”

Models are spinning up a couple of more typical-looking October storm systems that could deliver widespread rains to Minnesota.

NOAA’s GFS model spins up a stronger Octoberish low-pressure system next Tuesday through Thursday.

NOAA GFS model Tuesday through Thursday
NOAA GFS model for Oct. 12-14
NOAA via tropical tidbits

The GFS also spins up a second storm for the weekend of Oct. 16-17.

Overall forecast models are starting to crank out some impressive rainfall totals over the next two weeks. NOAA’s GFS model cranks out widespread 2 to 4-inch rainfall with some local 5-inch plus rainfall pockets for the Dakotas, northern Minnesota and southern Canada through Oct. 19.

NOAA GFS precipitation output
NOAA GFS precipitation output through Oct. 19
NOAA via pivotal weather

Again, it’s best not to take the precise precipitation magnitude and spatial coverage of this type of model output literally. But these can be a good guide as to rainfall trends over the medium range.

It looks like parts of the Upper Midwest could get some beneficial soil and hydrologic moisture recharge as we move deeper into October.

Stay tuned.