Morning rain shifting east; isolated late-afternoon storms possible

Rain and isolated thunderstorms spread across Minnesota Thursday night into Friday morning. As of 8 a.m. Friday, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport reported about three-tenths of an inch while my rain gauge in Minneapolis was thrilled to measure just over four-tenths. St. Cloud got a measly three-hundredths of an inch. Every little bit helps.

The main broad band of rain has moved through the Twin Cities and stretches from northern Wisconsin southwestward to south central Minnesota. Meanwhile, a broken line of showers and possibly thunderstorms developed west of the metro area and has been tracking generally eastward into the Twin Cities during the 8 a.m. hour.

The middle of Friday should be rain-free and comfortable. High temperatures will be from the 60s in the north to the mid 70s south. The Twin Cities should reach about 75. The average high for this date is 74.

Late afternoon-evening thunderstorms?

An advancing cold front and daytime heating seem likely to kick off isolated to scattered afternoon thunderstorms over east-central and southeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. An updated marginal risk (level 1 of 5) in dark green has been posted for later in the day.

A weekend to enjoy

The weekend looks dry and delightful. Plan on high temperatures both days mainly in the 60s across the north and low to mid-70s south. The Twin Cities should touch the low 70s with dry dew points both days.

Warmer again next week

A quick warmup beginning Monday will boost our temperatures well above normal next week. Highs in the 70s and 80s will offer a taste of lingering summer. Areas near Lake Superior will be cooler.

Next rain chances

Most of next week will be dry. But longer-term forecast models indicate possible periods of scattered rain from late Wednesday through Friday.