Above-normal temps return; aurora may be visible overnight into Tuesday

Clouds will increase some Monday and it will be warmer with highs well into the 70s for most. Southern Minnesota will see 80s Tuesday through Friday with rain possible late week.

Temperatures trend upward

Highs Monday will be well into the 70s across central and southern Minnesota with low 80s west. Parts of northeastern Minnesota will remain cooler, in the 60s.

We’ll see an increase of high clouds through the afternoon and even some isolated showers across southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin Monday evening.

Temperatures continue to warm to readings that will be 10 to 15 degrees above normal midweek. Highs Tuesday will be near 80 for the Twin Cities and into the 80s west.

Highs will be well into the 80s across southern Minnesota Wednesday.

Possible aurora viewing Monday night

If cloud cover can cooperate, you may get a view of the northern lights late Monday night into the early hours of Tuesday morning. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s space weather forecast calls for a KP index of 6 after midnight Monday night.

When the index reaches values greater than 5 or 6, that’s a geomagnetic storm with enough energy to be viewed as far south as southern Minnesota.

We will have high clouds in the evening but most of those should move out through the night.

Potential rainy pattern developing?

It’s definitely smart to be skeptical when we’re stuck in a stubborn drought, but increasing the models are painting a picture of an unsettled pattern developing late Wednesday into especially the weekend.

Total rainfall over the next seven days could add up to a widespread inch or more for most of Minnesota. Keep in mind, however, places like the Twin Cities and Rochester are 8 to 10 inches behind normal since June 1.