Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Back to bright: Dry weather returns with sunshine

Sunny skies, calm conditions expected over Memorial Day weekend

Satellite imagery Thursday 11 a.m.
Satellite imagery Thursday 11 a.m.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, via National Center for Atmospheric Research

After a stretch of soggy days and overcast skies, the sun returns just in time for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. A gradual warming trend is also on the way with temperatures expected to climb back to more seasonal levels, reaching the 70s by early next week.

Back to bright

After days of gray skies and steady rain, we’re finally back to bright with sunshine taking over the forecast. High pressure settles over the Upper Midwest, helping to clear out our skies.

Surface analysis for Thursday
Surface analysis for Thursday
NOAA Weather Prediction Center

Satellite imagery from 11 a.m. Thursday shows clear skies and bright sunshine spreading across the state.

Satellite imagery Thursday 11 a.m.
Satellite imagery Thursday 11 a.m.
NOAA, via National Center for Atmospheric Research

Highs will warm into the 60s statewide on Thursday. Seasonal temperatures are usually in the low 70s this time of year.

Highs for Thursday
Highs for Thursday
National Weather Service

A slow-warming trend is on tap as we head into the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. While high temperatures will stay slightly below seasonal averages, mainly sunny skies and calm conditions are expected to prevail.

Temperatures Saturday and Sunday
Temperatures Saturday and Sunday
NOAA, via Pivotal Weather

Minnesota’s latest drought report

Thursday’s U.S. Drought Monitor report does not reflect this week’s deluge but still shows limited improvement. North-central, northwestern, and parts of southwestern Minnesota remain in a moderate drought, according to the update.

Drought monitor 5-20
Drought conditions as of Tuesday morning
National Drought Mitigation Center

Following the latest round of rainfall, it’s reasonable to expect that southern, western and central Minnesota will see the most noticeable improvement in next week’s update.

Rainfall totals
Rainfall totals
National Weather Service
Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
MPR News