Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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We’re on rainfall watch again this week here in the weather lab. 

This is our third straight summer of flash drought in Minnesota. The first thing I do every week in this weather pattern is scan the forecast models for possible rain. The next chance for scattered storms that could drop some meaningful downpours arrives Tuesday night into Wednesday. 

NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center paints a marginal risk for severe storms in the Twin Cities and most of central Minnesota Wednesday. (map above)

And in the post below, you’ll see that next week could bring more 90s to Minnesota once again. 

A weak low-pressure wave and cool front will be the focus for some scattered thunderstorms Tuesday night and Wednesday. NOAA’s NAM 3 km model picks up on the possible storm waves Tuesday night through Wednesday. The loop below runs between 1 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The best chances for scattered storms in the Twin Cities favor early morning and late afternoon Wednesday. 

Rainfall coverage will be typically spotty once again this week. NOAA’s GFS model paints the picture of scattered rains. Most of Minnesota will see less than .25” of rain this week. But a few lucky spots may pick up .50” to more than an inch. 

The medium-range forecast maps for next week have my attention for a potential heat wave. The massive heat dome across the Southwest shows signs of lifting northward into the Upper Midwest and northern U.S. next week. 

NOAA’s GFS model upper air loop below shows the ridge taking shape,. The loop below runs between Sunday, July 23, and Saturday, July 29. 

Both the European and American GFS models are cranking out highs in the 90s for next week. It’s still too early for high confidence, but right now the European model cranks out a high of 96 degrees for the Twin Cities on Wednesday, July 26.

So it remains to be seen just how hot it could get next week. But a string of days with highs in the 90s is looking more likely by the day.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Paul Huttner

Author

The next chance for meaningful rain arrives Tuesday night and Wednesday. 

Storms possible Wednesday; 90s again next week?

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