Rain!

Happy autumnal equinox (1:50 a.m. Saturday)!

Here’s what you need to know this morning:

• Widespread rain is arriving for the weekend

• Heavy rain is likely at times

• Severe storms are possible later Saturday, mainly in southwestern Minnesota

Large storm system

Much-needed rain is on its way as a potent low-pressure system swirls into Minnesota. Periods of rain will likely reach all of Minnesota on Saturday and linger into Sunday. Some locations will pick up more than 2 inches of rain, depending on where the stronger thunderstorms develop.

Early Saturday morning

Rain has been spreading from central into northern Minnesota and across Wisconsin. Meanwhile, thunderstorms have been brewing in the south-central part of the state and are moving northeast.

The Twin Cities should see rain and possibly thunderstorms by late morning before an afternoon break in the action.

Afternoon high temperatures will depend on when it does or does not rain, but should be mainly from the upper 60s to mid-70s.

The Twin Cities should reach the mid-70s between periods of rain. Dew points will be muggy and the wind will become strong and gusty from the southeast.

Strong, severe storms possible later Saturday

A slight risk (level 2 of 5) has been posted for later Saturday and Saturday night from southwestern Minnesota into the southwest metro. Damaging wind and hail and even a tornado or two are possible, even though we are in late September.

A marginal risk (level 1) surrounds the slight risk area.

Scattered showers will linger for Sunday and possibly into Monday from this plodding storm. But the severe threat will end Saturday night.

Dry weather will return by Tuesday. Temperatures this coming week will continue to run warmer than average.